CVC for random scrutiny of private contracts by ministries

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked all ministries to randomly choose contracts of both large and small values for a detailed examination in an effort to check corruption.
The examination will be done by Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs), who act as a distant arm of the CVC, of the ministries.
"Each CVO shall carry out Intensive Examination (IE) of not less than six contracts of different nature (supply, works, services, etc), contract values, activity centres and areas in a year.
"Preferably, selection should be done in a manner that, at least, three contracts of large value, two contracts of medium value and one contract of small value are selected for IE," it said in a fresh guidelines issued today.

The value of the contracts may be judiciously categorised to decide the large, medium or small value contracts, by the CVOs, keeping in view the scale of procurement activities and nature, in the organisation, it said.
The main objective behind this unique initiative is to make public procurement process most transparent, fair, equitable, efficient, economic and conducive to achieving value for the money spent.

The CVOs will have to examine each and every document--
including press cutting of notice inviting tender to papers related to its final execution -- and carry out field inspection, the guidelines said.
Based on scrutiny of the documents and field inspections carried out, CVO shall summarise the findings in the form of a preliminary report.

The CVO can seek comments on its preliminary report from the concerned unit head that need to be made in a time-bound manner, i.E. Within 15 days from the date of receipt of such reference.
After receipt of the reply against the references based on preliminary report from the concerned unit head, an intensive examination report shall be prepared to bring out instances of lapses or irregularities like defective bidding and contract conditions, over payments made to contractors, substandard work, infructuous and avoidable expenditure etc.
The CVO shall submit the intensive examination report to the management for information and necessary action. The management shall take appropriate, corrective or punitive action with regard to the report within 90 days from the date of its receipt and ensure taking them to finality," it said.

Where serious irregularities, grave misconduct, negligence, etc. Are observed on the part of any public servant and disciplinary actions, or otherwise, involves advice of the Commission, same shall be processed within 90 days from the date of preparation of the report, it said.