The Finance Department of Rajasthan on September 9th 2024 issued the Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement (Amendment) Rules 2024 to further amend the Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement Rules, 2013.
The amendments to the Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement Rules, 2013, are enacted under the powers conferred by section 55 of the Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2012.
Key Changes in Rule 43
The primary focus of the amendments is on Rule 43 of the Rajasthan Transparency in Public Procurement Rules, 2013.
1. Substitution in Sub-Rule (6)
- Previous Requirement: Previously, the rules specified certain publications for notifications based on procurement values and requirements.
- New Requirement: For serial number 3 in the table of sub-rule (6), the existing clause (iii) is amended to:
“One all India level daily newspaper having wide circulation. The language of the newspaper will be decided by the Procuring Entity as per the requirement of subject matter of procurement.”
Implication: This change mandates that for procurement notifications, one of the publications must be an all-India daily newspaper with wide circulation. The choice of language for this publication is now at the discretion of the Procuring Entity, based on the procurement’s subject matter. This amendment aims to ensure broader reach and better alignment with the procurement’s specific needs.
2. Substitution in Sub-Rule (7)
- Previous Requirement: Similar to sub-rule (6), previous rules required notifications to be published in certain publications based on the procurement details.
- New Requirement: For serial number 3 and 4 in the table of sub-rule (7), the existing clause (iii) is revised to:
“One all India level daily newspaper having wide circulation. The language of the newspaper will be decided by the Procuring Entity as per the requirement of subject matter of procurement.”
Implication: The amendments in sub-rule (7) follow the same principle as those in sub-rule (6), emphasizing the publication of procurement notices in an all-India daily newspaper with broad reach. This change provides the Procuring Entity with the flexibility to choose the language based on the procurement’s nature.
Impact of the Amendments
These amendments aim to enhance transparency and efficiency in public procurement processes by:
- Broadening Reach: By mandating publication in a widely circulated all-India daily newspaper, the amendments ensure that procurement notices reach a larger audience, fostering greater participation from potential bidders.
- Flexibility in Language: Allowing Procuring Entities to choose the language of publication based on the procurement’s subject matter ensures that notices are more accessible and relevant to the target audience.
- Improved Compliance: The updated rules provide clearer guidelines for procurement notices, which may improve compliance and reduce ambiguities in the procurement process.
Effective Date: September 9th 2024.
