GAIL pacts with TII for operational transparency

New Delhi, July 23 (UNI) With a view to improve operational transparency in contracts and procurements process, GAIL (India) Ltd today entered into an agreement with Transparency International India (TII) on 'Integrity Pact Programme'.

Under the MoU signed by GAIL CMD U D Choubey and Admiral R H Tahiliani, former Chief of Naval Staff and the present chairman of TII, GAIL (principal) will enter into a pact with those companies submitting a tender for a specific activity (the bidders).

''GAIL is committed to implement the Integrity Pact (IP) programme in all its major procurement activities,'' Mr Choubey told reporters here.

An undertaking will be given by the principal that its officials will not demand or accept any bribes or gifts, with appropriate disciplinary or criminal sanctions in case of violation.

Penalties for failure to implement IP - Officials are subject to penal action and bidders have to face cancellation of contract, forfeiture of bond, liquidated damages and blacklisting.

The Integrity Pact will form part of bid document and will come into effect from the moment bidders submit documents to GAIL and will end after the complete execution of the contract to the satisfaction of both the contracting parties.

External Independent Monitors (EIMs) will oversee the entire bidding process from day one and resolve all disputes by any party as and when referred to them.

UNI