Flood Control & Irrigation Dept brings reform in tendering process

In a significant step towards ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in public works, the Flood Control & Irrigation Department has introduced a key reform in the tendering process by making the submission of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) completely online.

Earlier, bidders were required to physically deposit EMD at the office where the project was located. This system often led to unnecessary interfaces, potential information leaks, and concerns regarding fairness in the bidding process, Minister of Irrigation and Flood Control Parvesh Sahib Singh said on Friday.

Under the new system, EMD will now be accepted only through online mode, and bidders will upload a scanned copy on the e-procurement portal along with their tender documents.

The original Earnest Money Deposit will be required to be submitted only by the L1 bidder within a stipulated timeframe after the opening of bids.

This move ensures that no official or external entity can track who is bidding for which project during the process, thereby eliminating scope for bias, pressure, or manipulation. It marks a decisive shift towards a more secure and impartial system.

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 utilised with full accountability.”