Govt's bid to check lapses in manpower hiring

The AAP government has taken a step towards eliminating malpractices in hiring manpower and purchase of goods by introducing a model request for proposals (RFP).

The service providers would need to certify credentials of all personnel and for ensuring their police verification.

Special Secretary (Finance) Rakesh Bali said the Model RFP is generic in nature and aims at lending transparency and efficiency to the selection process.

“It addresses the critical requirements that should be satisfied for conducting a fair and transparent bidding process,” he said.

The Delhi government has also laid down a term that the department seeking to hire contract workers would have to be given bio-data of the personnel proposed to be provided.

Under the new provisions, not more than five bidders shall be shortlisted for financial evaluation – a step towards speeding up the process and enhancing transparency.

To ensure that contract employees are not exploited by their placement agencies, the government has stipulated that in case of such incidents, the service provider shall be deemed to be in breach of the agreement, according to a government advisory.

Timely payment of monthly remuneration by the service provider to their personnel has also been ensured through electronic transfer within seven days and payment of contributions towards ESI and EPF no later than 15 days after the completion of a calendar month.

Mid-contract manipulations by a service provider shall also be difficult as the Model RPF has made it clear that no substitution of personnel shall normally be permissible, except under compelling circumstances.

The maximum limit that the service providers can replace is 15 per cent of their total personnel.
A note issued by Bali, said: “In the event that substitution of any personnel results in removal thereof, and the procuring authority may, in its discretion, refer the case to a substitution committee comprising nominees of the procuring authorities and services provider for its consideration.”

The Delhi Cabinet earlier mandated that the performance security deposited by the services provider should be for an amount of 5-10 per cent of the annual value of the contract or agreement.

With a view to encourage good performance, the department announced a 15 per cent ex gratia payment on satisfactory delivery of service. 

Bali said in case of any ambiguity or doubt with regard to application or interpretation of the clauses of the Model RFP, a clarification may be sought from the finance department and the Development and Dialogue Commission of Delhi.

With a view to eliminate favouritism in the award of contract, the government has now specified that the personnel deployed by the service provider shall have no contractual relationship whatsoever with the procuring authority.