India, Nov. 4 -- The Public Works Department of the Delhi government has issued fresh arbitration guidelines under which lapses by erring officers will be identified and responsibility fixed for any projects where cost escalates, according to the standard operating procedure, officials said.

The order, seen by HT, issued by additional director general Pradeep Gupta dated October 31 states that "in all arbitration cases where awards of the arbitrator goes against the department, detailed reasons and lapses, if any, on the part of officials concerned should be examined in detail by the chief engineer concerned."

It adds that the chief engineer should send his recommendations to the administrative secretary for fixing of responsibility and...