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Punjab Mandi Board plans
e-tendering from next month
WSN Network
In order to
bring transparency in the tendering process, the Punjab Agricultural
Marketing Board, also known as the Punjab Mandi Board, has signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) with state-run Indian Telephone
Industries Ltd for implementing etendering. With this, the board
became the first oraganisation in
Punjab to
implement the internet based tendering.
The system will be functional
from February 15. It is worth noting that board receives tenders to
the tune of Rs 300-400 crore every year for construction and
maintenance of mandis and rural roads. The proposed move is likely
to benefit the contractors, who previously had to procure the tender
documents by visiting the respective offices.
Punjab Mandi Board
Chairman Ajmer Singh Lakhowal said: “The Punjab
government has decided to implement e-governance in the state on a
big scale. According to this decision, the Punjab Mandi Board has
taken the initiative to get tenders on the internet. So we have
signed an MoU with Indian Telephone Industries Ltd for implementing
etendering system.” The e-tendering process will also lead to
substantial saving in conveyance of both contractors and the
department. Further, it will bring total transparency in the
departments. In addition, it will bring more competition, resulting
in saving in tenders.”
Commenting on the future plans, he added, “To
give a major push to horticulture produce and benefit the farmers at
large, we have hired the services of Punjab Infrastructure
Development Board to prepare a feasibility report to develop a
modern vegetables and fruits wholesale market (under National
Horticulture Mission) at Mohali. A detailed study is likely to be
completed within seven months and this may also result in export of
perishables through the upcoming Chandigarh International Airport.
For the project, land measuring 20 acres is already lying with the
Punjab Mandi Board, and also in near future it will acquire more
land, if the feasibility report demands more area.
14 January
2008
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