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 e-tendering. 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.
Speaking to Business Standard, 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 e-tendering 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. Sources in Mandi board revealed that the project report would be designed as per the feasibility report prepared by the PIDB. He added that the proposed wholesale market would be state of the art and will also boast of warehouse and cold storage.
