Chief Secretary Alok Kumar Jain said that E-procurement System has been introduced for all procurements of goods and services for Rs. 5 lakhs and above and all works contracts for Rs. 1 crore and above for all departments and Rs. 2 crores and above for Public Works Department. He said that very soon Earnest money Deposit (EMD) package would be implemented for the convenience of contractors.
Chief Secretary was reviewing the implementation of E-Procurement System at Secretariat on Thursday. Directing the departments to strictly follow the system, he said that action would be taken against the departments found slack.
Chief Secretary Jain said that EMD system for contractors would make easy for them in getting their money back in case they do not get the contracts. So far the earnest money was deposited and returned back through cheques. Under EMD system the amount would be credited directly in their respective bank accounts and they would not have to go around the departments to get their money back.
Chief Secretary Jain said that the E-procurement system was introduced to simplify the process and ensure transparency. He said that in the first phase the system had been implemented in 23 departments for which E-procurement Cell has been constituted in Finance Department. All these departments had appointed their respective Nodal Officers. He has asked these departments for Digital Signature Certification (DSC) of their respective senior officers and in case it was not done then immediately apply for the same to NIC. He asked the officers to encourage contractors to go for E-procurement system as this would be of great help for them as the entire tender process would be online and put in public domain. Mr. Jain said that this would not only save time but also speed up the process and maintain transparency. He revealed that a Help Desk had been set up in E-procurement Cell and information could be received by calling toll free helpline number 1800-266-2277.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Medical & Health Dr. Ranvir Singh, Secretary Transport Umakant Panwar, Secretary Irrigation NS Negi, Director School Education R Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary Forest Shushant Patnaik, Additional Secretary ICDS Amit Negi, State Nodal Officer E-procurement Arunendra Singh Chauhan and other senior officers.
