West Bengal Government Implements Strict Tender Regulations to Enhance Financial Discipline

Kolkata, July 15: The West Bengal government has taken decisive action to curb the recurring practice of extending contracts with the same agency in government departments. New directives issued from Nabanna (the state secretariat) mandate that the tender process for a new agency must begin at least three months before the expiration of any existing contract.

According to a circular released by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, several government departments and their subordinate offices have been seeking permission from the finance department to extend existing contracts instead of issuing new tenders on time. In some instances, contract durations were extended without consulting the finance department.

The government believes that such practices violate financial discipline and compromise the transparency and fairness of the competitive tendering system. Consequently, a strict ban on this practice has been enforced.

Under the new guidelines, all procuring authorities are required to initiate the tender process for selecting a new agency at least three months prior to the expiration of the current contract. Additionally, all department heads will review their existing contracts monthly and share this list with the finance department.

The government has made it clear that proposals related to the extension or renewal of existing contracts will not be accepted under any circumstances. If tenders are not issued on time or if a contract’s duration is extended without permission, it will be considered a serious financial irregularity, and appropriate action will be taken against the responsible officials.

These directives will not be limited to government departments alone; they will also apply equally to local bodies, state public sector undertakings (PSUs), statutory bodies, and other government entities.

The circular further emphasizes that all department heads and heads of subordinate offices will be personally responsible for ensuring strict compliance with these directives within their jurisdictions.

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VKU/PM