Parliamentary Emphasis on Accountability
Smt. Dola Sen, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chairperson of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce, attended as the chief guest. In her address, she underscored the need for stronger accountability and compliance in public procurement to safeguard transparency, efficiency and inclusivity across government contracting.
Key Topics Covered
Speakers and panelists focused on the legal framework buyers must follow when procuring manpower services on GeM. Discussions included the incorporation of applicable labour laws and statutory provisions into Service Level Agreements (SLAs), bid documents and contract clauses.
Participants reviewed the mandatory Buyer Undertaking required during bid creation, which enforces adherence to the Minimum Wages Act and other labour protections. Sessions also highlighted the importance of declarations in bid documents that confirm compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Practical Guidance for Buyers
The orientation offered practical checklists and sample contract language to help buyers ensure that tenders and SLAs include proper statutory safeguards. Topics included wage compliance, social security contributions, working hours, safety norms and grievance redressal mechanisms for outsourced personnel.
GeM officials emphasised that clear, legally compliant tenders reduce litigation risk, protect workers’ rights and improve service delivery quality. They encouraged buyers to adopt standardised templates and undertake due diligence before onboarding manpower service providers.
Why This Matters
Public procurement accounts for a large share of government expenditure. Ensuring that procurement through GeM adheres to the “law of the land” strengthens trust in public institutions and guarantees that state contracts do not undermine labour standards.
By embedding labour law compliance in procurement processes, GeM aims to create a fairer marketplace where employers and employees alike operate within the rule of law. This also aligns with broader governance goals of transparency and accountability.
Commitment to Capacity Building
The awareness session forms part of GeM’s ongoing capacity-building efforts for buyers and stakeholders. Regular training and clear operational guidance help government procuring entities implement robust procurement practices while utilising GeM’s digital tools.
