The Hindu Business Line : Steps for total e-government procurement

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 21 The Kerala Government has initiated steps to achieve total e-government procurement, which is aimed at wiping out corruption in purchases by different departments.

Kerala is one of the three States selected for implementing the e-government procurement project of the Union Government that seeks to bring in changes in procurement processes, often ridden with corruption and favouritism, with the help of information technology. The State Government will implement the project first on a pilot basis and later expand it to cover all the departments.

The project was flagged off here on Monday by the Chief Secretary, Mr P.J. Thomas.

It is pointed out that the project will do away with commission agents and black marketers and the Government will be able to make substantial annual savings through centralised procurements.

The contractors will be able to procure materials fast and at reasonable prices and help them execute the contracts without delay.

The pilot exercise will cover departments such as Public Works, Food and Civil Supplies, Housing, IT, Transport and General Education.