Question : ZONAL TENDERS FOR BUILDING WORKS



(a) whether a new contract system called Zonal Tender System has been introduced in MTNL to benefit a few contractors;

(b) if so, whether no prior approval of Board of Directors was obtained before introducing this system which was mandatory;

(c) if so, whether the new system has adversely affected the healthy competition;

(d) if so, whether this new system is discriminatory and against the policy of providing level playing field to each contender particular to class-V Contractors;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Government has conducted or propose to conduct an inquiry into the above irregularities; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a) No, Sir. In MTNL, Delhi, instead of calling tenders for individual works, annual term contract for a building or a group of building has been introduced since last year for building maintenance/minor works. The annual term contract is finalized based on open tender system. However, there is no change in the existing system in MTNL, Mumbai.

(b) The prior approval of Board of Directors is not mandatory as procurement procedures are well within the power of Executive Directors, Delhi.

(c) No, Sir. The new system is based on open tendering and hence involves competition.

(d) No, Sir. The new system is not discriminatory and not against the policy of providing level playing field to each contractor particular to Class-V contractors as they can also participate in the open tenders within their tendering.

(e) to (g) Do not arise in view of (d) above.