Para 2.16.19 — CAM
Original Rule Text
2.16.19 CHECK OF BILLS FOR PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES
2.16.19.1 The procurement of Goods & Services by Ministry/Department are mandatory for Goods & Services available on GeM as per provisions contained in GFR-2017 and instructions issued by Ministry of Finance/Cabinet Secretariat from time to time. If the Goods & Services are not available on GeM, then non-availability certificate from the GeM as per OM issued by Procurement Policy Division, Department of Expenditure may be enclosed along with bill. Further, if procuring entity/authority wants to procure Goods & Services available on GeM from open market without following Rule 149 of GFR-2017 as amended from time to time, then approval of Secretary in consultation with FA is required based on recommendation of Standing Committee on GeM. The following checks are prescribed in respect of bills for purchase of stores:-
(i) that there is provision of funds under correct object of account as per amendment to Rule 8 of DFPR authorised by the competent authority;
(ii) that there exists financial sanction either special or general accorded by the competent authorityauthorising expenditure for procurement of goods and services communicated to PAO in terms of Rule 29 of GFR, 2017;
(iii) that the purchases are made economically and in accordance with the rules and orders made bycompetent authority;
(iv) that the rates mentioned in the bill agree with those shown in the contract/purchase/job orders;
(v) that certificates of quality and quantity are furnished;
(vi) that the purchases have not been split up so as to avoid the necessity of obtaining the sanction of higher authority;
(vii) that the amount of advance payment made to Supplier/Service provider should not exceed as stipulated in Rule 172 (1) of GFR,2017 and if it exceeds concurrence/ approval of FA of Ministry/Department is required. Further, adequate safeguards in the form of Bank Guarantee, etc. are obtained as required in Rule 172
(l) of GFR,2017.
(viii) that manpower and other service provider claims are supported with relevant papers with reference to the contract with the service provider, for example, copy of ESIC & EPFO challan as per the contract, invoice/bills,
What This Means
When Ministries or Departments procure goods and services, procurement through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is mandatory if the items are available on the platform, as per GFR-2017. If items are not available on GeM, a non-availability certificate from GeM must be enclosed with the bill. The PAO checks that procurement rules have been followed, proper sanctions exist, and the GeM requirements are met before processing the payment. This ensures transparency, competitive pricing, and compliance with government procurement norms.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- 1GeM procurement is mandatory for goods and services available on the platform (GFR-2017)
- 2Non-availability certificate from GeM is required if items are procured outside GeM
- 3PAO must verify compliance with procurement rules before passing bills
- 4Proper sanction must exist and be enclosed with procurement bills
- 5This ensures transparency, competitive pricing, and accountability in government procurement
Practical Example
A DDO procures 50 office chairs worth Rs.3 lakh. Since office furniture is available on GeM, the DDO must procure through GeM. The DDO places the order on GeM, receives delivery, and submits the bill to the PAO with the GeM order number. The PAO verifies the GeM order, checks that the price matches, confirms the sanction exists, and passes the bill. If the DDO had procured from a local vendor instead, the PAO would return the bill asking for a GeM non-availability certificate.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GeM procurement mandatory for all government purchases?▼
What if the required item is not available on GeM?▼
What checks does the PAO perform on procurement bills?▼
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.