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Para 8.2.2 - Ministerial Approval | KartavyaDesk

Consultancy Manual

Original Rule Text

6. Wherever such competent authority is a Minister of the Central Government (or Board of Director in a CPSE), obtaining approvals at so many stages, may delay the process and un-necessarily overburden the onerous tasks of such authorities. Therefore, in such cases their approval may only be taken at the stage of “Approval of Financial Evaluation and Award of contract”. At other stages approval may be taken from the officer to whom such powers are delegated by the Minister (or Board of Director, in case of CPSE).

What This Means

Para 8.2.2 of the Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services aims to streamline the approval process when a Minister in the Central Government (or the Board of Directors in a Central Public Sector Enterprise - CPSE) is the designated competent authority. The rule recognizes that requiring ministerial (or Board) approval at every stage of the consultancy procurement can be time-consuming and add to their workload.

To address this, Para 8.2.2 allows for a more efficient process. Instead of seeking the Minister's (or Board's) approval at each step, their approval is primarily required only at the crucial stage of 'Approval of Financial Evaluation and Award of Contract.' For all other stages, the power to grant approvals can be delegated to a designated officer by the Minister (or Board). This delegation ensures that the procurement process moves forward without unnecessary delays while still maintaining appropriate oversight at key decision points.

This rule directly affects government departments and CPSEs involved in procuring consultancy services. It impacts the roles and responsibilities of Ministers (or Boards), delegated officers, and procurement teams, emphasizing the importance of clear delegation and efficient workflow management.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Key Points

  • •Ministerial/Board approval is primarily required only for 'Approval of Financial Evaluation and Award of Contract'.
  • •For other stages, approval can be delegated to a designated officer.
  • •The rule aims to reduce delays and the workload of Ministers/Boards in consultancy procurement.
  • •This applies to Central Government Ministries and CPSEs.
  • •Clear delegation of authority is crucial for effective implementation.

Practical Example

The Ministry of Urban Development needs to hire a consultant for a Smart City project. According to the procurement guidelines, the Minister is the competent authority. Without Para 8.2.2, the Minister would need to approve the initial Request for Proposal (RFP), the technical evaluation of bids, and finally, the financial evaluation and contract award.

However, leveraging Para 8.2.2, the Minister delegates the approval of the RFP and the technical evaluation to the Joint Secretary (Urban Development). The Minister's approval is then only required for the financial evaluation and the final award of the contract to M/s TechSolutions for ₹50 Lakhs. This delegation speeds up the process, allowing the project to commence sooner while still ensuring ministerial oversight at the critical financial stage.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'Approval of Financial Evaluation and Award of Contract' specifically include?▼
This stage involves reviewing the financial bids, ensuring they are within the approved budget, and formally approving the selection of the consultant and the terms of the contract.
Who can the Minister/Board delegate approval powers to?▼
The delegation can be made to any officer deemed competent and appropriate within the Ministry/CPSE, typically a senior officer with relevant experience and expertise.
Does this rule eliminate the need for any documentation or reporting to the Minister/Board at earlier stages?▼
No. While formal approval may not be required at every stage, it's good practice to keep the Minister/Board informed of the progress and key developments in the procurement process through regular updates and briefings.
What happens if the delegated officer exceeds their authority?▼
The delegation order should clearly define the scope and limits of the delegated authority. Any actions taken beyond that scope would be considered unauthorized and could lead to disciplinary action.
Is this applicable to all types of consultancy procurements?▼
Yes, Para 8.2.2 is generally applicable to all consultancy procurements where a Minister of the Central Government or Board of Directors in a CPSE is the competent authority.

This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.

Test Your Knowledge

Question 1 of 3

According to Para 8.2.2 of the Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, when a Minister of the Central Government is the competent authority, at which stage is their approval primarily required?

Related Rules

Para 8Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 8 - Chapter 10 - Annexure 18Para 9Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 9 - Chapter 10 - Annexure 18Para 1.10.2Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 1.10.2 - Chapter 1Para 1.11Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 1.11 - Chapter 1Para 1.13Manual for Procurement of Consultancy Services, 2025 - Para 1.13 - Chapter 1

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