New Delhi: To do away with pay-offs and
middlemen in military purchases, the Defence Ministry has
empowered Independent Monitors (IM) to probe corruption
charges against its officers and vendors by bringing about
crucial changes in the new Defence Procurement Policy (DPP).
The DPP-2009, which would be implemented from November
one, would also define and enlarge the role of the IMs, who
are appointed in consultation with the Central Vigilance
Commission (CVC), authorising them to call for records
relating to corruption charges.
The procurement policy, salient features of which were
released here today, would replace the existing DPP-2008 that
was in force since September last. Under DPP-2008, the role of
IM was very limited and remained undefined.
The IM would essentially monitor violations of the
'Integrity Pact' that is at present required to be signed
between the government and the military equipment vendors for
all procurement over Rs 100 crore, Defence Ministry officials
said here.
"This is a binding agreement between the government
department and the bidders for specific contracts in which the
government promises that it will not accept bribes during the
procurement process and the bidders promise that they will not
offer bribes," they said.
"The amendment explicitly authorises IMs to peruse the
relevant office records in connection with the complaints sent
to them by the buyer. This amendment (to DPP-2008) will
enhance probity and public accountability," they added.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 20:05