New Delhi, April 3 -- In a major administrative reform aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in public works, the Flood Control and Irrigation Department has made the submission of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) fully online, eliminating the need for physical deposits during the tendering process.
The move is expected to significantly reduce human interface and curb potential malpractices associated with the earlier system, where bidders had to physically submit EMD at project offices. Officials noted that the previous process often led to unnecessary interactions, raising concerns over information leaks and possible bias in awarding contracts.
Under the revised system, bidders will now submit EMD through online mode and upload a scanned copy along with their tender documents on the e-procurement portal. The original EMD
will only be required from the lowest bidder, also known as the L1 bidder, within a fixed timeframe after the bids
are opened.
According to the department, this shift ensures that no individual or authority can track bidders during the process, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the system and preventing any undue influence or manipulation.
Highlighting the intent behind the reform, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said, "This reform is about building trust in the system. By moving EMD completely online, we are eliminating unnecessary human interface and ensuring that the bidding process remains fair, transparent, and free from any undue influence. Our priority is clear, honest contractors should get a fair opportunity, and public money should be utilized with full accountability."
To enforce compliance, strict rules have been introduced. The L1 bidder must submit the original EMD within three days of bid opening, failing which they will be debarred from participating in tenders for two years.
The department also clarified that physical submission of EMD will no longer be accepted and corrigendums will be issued where necessary, marking a decisive shift towards digital governance.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.