Government withdraws order that restrained tender notices ads in newspapers

The Bureau of Outreach and Communication (DAVP) has withdrawn its May 10, 2018 order, which controlled ads of tender notices in newspapers. According to the new order, BOC, an umbrella body for media units under the Information &Broadcasting Ministry, has clarified that though the compulsory publishing of the Tender Notice advertisements in Newspapers has been dispensed with, “Administrative Ministries/Departments are free to decide on the advertisements of the tender notices in newspapers based on the merit of the case.”

The order also added that as per the provisions of Rule 16(i), GFRs 2017, subject to some exceptions, advertisements are to be mandatorily placed on the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) at www.eprocure.gov.in and on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Besides, an organisation having its own website should also publish its advertised Tendered Enquiries on its site.