KATHMANDU: In a significant move to uphold transparency and accountability within the public procurement system, the government has blacklisted 20 builders and suppliers. The Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) issued a formal notice on Friday, declaring that these contractors and suppliers have been barred from participating in any public procurement processes, effective immediately.
Details of the Blacklisting
The action was taken under Section 63(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2063, which grants the PPMO the authority to blacklist contractors and suppliers who fail to comply with the contractual obligations or engage in corrupt practices. According to the notice, these builders and suppliers will face restrictions throughout the blacklisting period, during which they will be prohibited from bidding on or being awarded any government contracts.
The blacklisted entities are accused of various violations, including failure to complete projects within the agreed timelines, delivering substandard work, and engaging in fraudulent activities. The PPMO’s decision reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing strict measures against contractors and suppliers who compromise the quality and integrity of public infrastructure and services.
This blacklisting is expected to send a strong message to other contractors and suppliers, reinforcing the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards in public procurement. The government’s decision to make the blacklisting public is also seen as a step towards greater transparency, ensuring that only qualified and reliable entities are entrusted with government projects.
During the blacklisting period, these builders and suppliers will be excluded from all public procurement activities, including bidding for new contracts and renewing existing ones. This restriction aims to protect public interests by ensuring that government projects are completed on time and meet the required standards of quality.
Government’s Stance on Procurement Integrity
The blacklisting of these 20 builders and suppliers highlights the government’s firm stance on maintaining integrity in public procurement. By holding contractors accountable, the PPMO seeks to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of government spending, ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and for the benefit of the nation.
The PPMO has also urged other contractors and suppliers to take note of this action and to ensure strict compliance with all contractual obligations and ethical practices. The office reiterated that any future violations would be met with similar punitive measures, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in public procurement.