Question : Public Procurement Mechanism

(a) Whether the Government is aware that the present public procurement mechanism is suffering from lack of transparency and corruption:

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto:

(c) Whether the Government plans to introduce any scheme/measure to check corruption and to ensure the presence of a centralised authority and probity in the procurement process, fair and equitable, enhance economic efficiency and maintain integrity and public confidence

(d) If so, the details thereof; and

(e) If not, the corrective measures taken by the government in this regard.

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) & (b) : Several measures have been taken by the government from time to time to increase transparency and prevent corruption in public procurement. Government has already made e-procurement mandatory through Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) & Government e-Marketplace (GeM) which has minimized the scope for corruption in public procurement. Further new General Financial Rules, 2017 also has introduced measures like code of integrity etc.

(c) to (e) : Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) are already there to check corruption and ensure probity in procurement process.