Question : TRANSPARENCY IN TENDERING PROCESS

(a) the details of the guidelines and awarding procedures being followed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with regard to National and International Bidding Process;

(b) whether some irregularities have been detected in bidding and awarding of the projects of NHAI during the last three years;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken against the authorities responsible for such irregularities;

(d) whether the Government proposes to bring more transparency in the functioning of NHAI through transparent tendering and procurement process, better vigilance and pronounced transfer policies; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (DR. C. P. JOSHI)

(a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 532 FOR ANSWER ON 14.05.2012 ASKED BY SHRIMATI DARSHANA JARDOSH REGARDING TRANSPARENCY IN TENDERING PROCESS

(a) Details of awarding procedure being followed by NHAI are enclosed as Annex.

(b) No, Madam.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) & (e) Yes, Madam. The following steps have been taken to ensure transparent procurement process and consequently transparency in functioning of NHAI:

i) All tenders are invited through NHAI website and publication in newspapers with wide circulation.

ii) From 1st July 2011, e-tendering has been made mandatory for procurement.

iii) The Request For Qualification (RFQ)/ Request For Proposal (RFP) document and its addendum, clarifications, important dates, list of bidders etc. are hosted on NHAI website.

iv) Annual RFQ exercise is done for the whole year to bring transparency and expedite RFQ stage.