World Bank bans two Indian entities for fraudulent practices

World Bank has banned two Indian entities for violating its fraud and corruption guidelines making them ineligible to participate in any projects financed by the global lender for certain period.
Savoir Soft Solutions Private Ltd, based out of Noida, and one individual Laxminarayan Mallick from Cuttack have been barred from participating in any Bank-financed contract, according to latest information from the World Bank.
The ban on Savoir Soft Solutions is for four years starting from March 19, 2014.
As per the lender, Mallick -- who also does business under Laxmi Narayan Construction or Laxminarayan Construction -- has been banned for three years. The ban has come into effect from March 25.

Query sent to Savoir Soft seeking comment on the matter did not elicit any response while Mallick could not be contacted.
The sanctions have been imposed on these entities under the Bank's "fraud and corruption policy as set forth in the Procurement Guidelines or the Consultant Guidelines".

Debarrment of Savoir Soft is with respect to consultant norms while that of Mallick pertains to procurement guidelines.
The ban would also be applicable to any legal entity that are directly or indirectly controlled by them.
According to the World Bank, after the debarrment period Savoir Soft and Mallick would have to comply with certain conditions to again become eligible for participation in Bank-financed contracts.

These entities have to demonstrate to the World Bank Group's Integrity Compliance Officer that it has complied with certain conditions including that they have taken appropriate remedial measures to address the sanctionable practice for which they were sanctioned.
Also they have to demonstrate that they have put in place "an effective integrity compliance program acceptable to the Bank and has implemented this program in a manner satisfactory to the Bank".
In the case of Mallick, there is an additional condition that he should demonstrate that "he has completed training and/or other educational programs that demonstrate a continuing commitment to personal integrity and business ethics".

Earlier also, the lender has barred various Indian entities.
Currently there are 11 entities in the World Bank list of 'Debarred & Cross-Debarred Firms & Individuals'.