'e-procurement' in AP from March 31

Andhra Pradesh will implement an 'e-procurement' platform for all works, goods and services covering all state departments, public sector undertakings and local bodies from March 31.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that every procurement activity, irrespective of volume and value, would be covered by this transparent method.

According to a note issued in this regard, the e-procurement will also include contract management, inventory management and e-payment.

e-procurement had come into operation on a pilot basis from April 2003, initially covering irrigation and the roads & buildings department.

APTransco, APSRTC and Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) are set to start their procurement through this platform. Works and goods worth an estimated Rs 2,500 crore have been processed through e-procurement package so far.