Rule 15 of Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules 2002

Rule 15 of छत्तीसगढ़ शासन भण्डार क्रय नियम , 2002
Transparency in Tender Process & E-Tendering

Original Text

नियम -15
क्रय तथा नननिदा ाअमांत्रि में पारदर्तशता बढ़ाने हेतु ननम्ननलनखत काययिाही की जाएगी:-

ाईपनियम -15.1 समाचार पत्रों में जारी नननिदा के साथ ही क्रे ता निभाग का िेबसााइर् का पता भी ददया जाए।

ाईपनियम -15.2 नननिदा का समाचार पत्रों में प्र काशन के साथ नननिदा को निभाग की िेबसााइर् पर भी प्र कानशत दकया जाए। ाआससे नननिदा में भाग लेने िाली ाआकााइ के नलए यह ाअिश्यक नहीं रहेगा दक िह निभाग से नननिदा प्र पत्र प्र ाप्त करे। नननिदाकार बेबसााइर् में ाईपलब्ध नननिदा प्र पत्र को डााईनलोड करके नननिदा में भाग ले सकेगा नजसे मान्यता प्रदान की जाएगी।

ाईपनियम -15.3 ऐसे नननिदाकारों से , नजन्होंने िेबसााइर् से डााउन -लोड करके नननिदा भरी है, नननिदा िीस नननिदा प्रस् तुत करते समय प्र ाप्त की जाएगी।

ाईपनियम -15.4 नजन िस्तुओं “एिां सेिाओं “की नननिदा ाअमांनत्रत दकया जाना है, ाईसे यथासांभि ऑनलााआन ाइ-नननिदा के माध्यम से ाअमांनत्रत दकया जाए।

Visual Summary

Website Mandatory
Newspaper ads must include the department website URL.

Downloadable Forms
Bidders can download forms online; no physical collection needed.

Fee at Submission
For downloaded forms, the tender fee is paid when submitting the bid.

E-Tender Priority
Tenders for goods/services should be invited via Online E-Tender whenever possible.

Summary

Rule 15 establishes the framework for transparency and modernization in the government procurement process. It mandates that all tender notices published in newspapers must also be available on the department’s website. It removes the bureaucratic hurdle of physically purchasing tender forms by allowing bidders to download them online and pay the fee upon submission. Furthermore, it explicitly directs departments to utilize Online E-Tendering systems for goods and services whenever feasible.

Key Takeaways

  • Dual Publication: Tenders must appear in both newspapers and the departmental website simultaneously.
  • Accessibility: Bidders are not required to visit the office to get forms; downloaded forms are legally valid.
  • Fee Collection: For downloaded forms, the tender fee is collected at the time of bid submission (usually via DD).
  • Digital First: There is a clear mandate to use Online E-Tendering for goods and services to ensure transparency.

Key Analysis

  • Transparency Mechanism: By linking physical ads to digital platforms, the rule reduces information asymmetry. It prevents scenarios where tender forms are “unavailable” to disfavored contractors.
  • Cost Efficiency: While it doesn’t eliminate newspaper ads, it allows them to be briefer (and cheaper) by referring details to the website.
  • Evolution of Rule: The inclusion of Sub-rule 15.4 (updated 05.03.2025) signifies a definitive shift from manual/physical tendering to a fully digital E-Tender ecosystem.

Key Ingredients (Checklist)

  • Does the newspaper advertisement contain the Department’s website URL?
  • Is the full tender document available for download on the website?
  • Is the department accepting downloaded forms without prior fee payment?
  • Is the tender being invited via Online E-Tender (if possible)?

Practical Illustrations

Example 1: Remote ParticipationA contractor in Jagdalpur wants to bid for a project in Raipur. Under Rule 15, they do not need to travel to Raipur just to buy the form. They can download it from the department website, fill it out, attach a Demand Draft for the tender fee, and submit it by post or online.
Example 2: Invalid RejectionA department rejects a bid because the form was printed from the website rather than purchased on “original colored paper” from the office. This rejection is illegal under Rule 15.2, which explicitly grants validity to downloaded forms.

Process Flowchart

Rule 15: Transparency in TendersSub-rule 15.1 & 15.2Publication RequirementNewspaper + WebsiteSub-rule 15.3Access & FeesDownload Form = ValidPay Fee at SubmissionSub-rule 15.4ModernizationMandatory E-TenderingFor Goods & ServicesGoal: Maximum ParticipationEliminate Physical Barriers

Practice Questions

Q: According to Rule 15.1, what specific information must be included in a newspaper tender advertisement?

  • A. The personal mobile number of the officer
  • B. The website address of the buyer department
  • C. The list of all previous contractors
  • D. The map of the office location only
View Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B. The website address of the buyer department
Reasoning: Rule 15.1 explicitly states that the department’s website address must be given along with the tender in newspapers.

Q: If a bidder downloads the tender form from the website, when is the tender fee payable?

  • A. Before downloading the form via credit card
  • B. After the tender is awarded
  • C. At the time of submitting the tender
  • D. No fee is required for downloaded forms
View Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C. At the time of submitting the tender
Reasoning: Rule 15.3 states that for downloaded forms, the tender fee shall be received at the time of submitting the tender.

Q: Under Rule 15.4, what is the preferred method for inviting tenders for goods and services?

  • A. Physical sealed envelopes only
  • B. Online E-Tender
  • C. Verbal auction
  • D. Email submission only
View Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B. Online E-Tender
Reasoning: Rule 15.4 mandates that tenders for goods and services should be invited through Online E-Tender as far as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a department refuse a tender form downloaded from the website?
No. Rule 15.2 explicitly states that forms downloaded from the website must be recognized and accepted. Bidders are not required to obtain the form physically from the department.
How do I pay the tender fee if I download the form?
According to Rule 15.3, if you download the form, you must submit the tender fee (usually via Demand Draft or specified instrument) along with your tender submission.
Is E-Tendering mandatory for all purchases?
Rule 15.4 uses the phrase “as far as possible” (यथासंभव), indicating a strong directive to use Online E-Tendering for goods and services, though it allows for exceptions where online processing isn’t feasible.

Conclusion

Rule 15 is a pivotal modernization clause in the Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules. By mandating the simultaneous publication of tenders on websites and validating downloaded forms, it democratizes access to government contracts. The push towards E-Tendering further ensures that the procurement process remains transparent, competitive, and aligned with digital governance standards.