MEA seeks experts to implement pre-contract integrity pact

The External Affairs Ministry has sought candidates for the role of Independent External Monitors (IEMs) to oversee implementation of pre-contract Integrity Pact signed between it and a prospective bidder for projects worth Rs 50 crore or more.
According to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) which has circulated the details of the eligibility criteria for the post, the IEMs would review, independently and objectively, whether and to what extent parties have complied with their obligations under the Integrity Pact.
An Integrity Pact is an agreement between two parties to ensure that they will not indulge in any illegal activities like corruption for completion of the said work or project.

The IEMs would be responsible for examination of all complaints received by them and give their recommendations or views to the designated officer of the Ministry at the earliest, it said.
The monitors, who would be appointed for a period of three years, shall not be subject to instructions by representatives of the parties and shall perform their functions neutrally and independently.
They would have access to all contract documents or books of accounts of the bidders in case of any allegation of violation of any provisions of the Integrity Pact or payment of commission, whenever required.

On the eligibility criteria, applicants are required to be persons of high integrity and reputation and should not be above the age of 65 years.

Civil servants having served at top management positions in the Government of India or equivalent positions in state governments, retired judges of Supreme Court or High Court, ex-chairman, CMD of Public Sector Enterprises, eminent persons or executives from private sector of considerable eminence, are eligible for the role, as per an advertisement posted on the DoPT website.
The MEA, from January 1, 2013, onwards, decided that a pre-contract Integrity Pact would be signed between the Ministry and prospective bidders for all procurements and projects of Rs 50 crore and above.
The Integrity Pacts would be implemented through a panel of two IEMs, appointed by the organisation in consultation with the Central Vigilance Commission.