Rule 196 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Public Competition for Design of Symbols Logos
Original Rule Text
Visual Summary
Design competitions must be fair and objective.
Information accessible to all potential participants.
Jury of experts may be nominated for selection.
Executive Summary
Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, mandates that public competitions for the design of symbols or logos must be conducted with utmost transparency, fairness, and objectivity. It emphasizes the need for wide publicity to ensure all potential participants have access to information. Furthermore, if a jury of experts is nominated for the selection process, their composition should also be publicly notified, reinforcing the commitment to an impartial evaluation.
In-Depth Analysis of the Rule
Rule 196 outlines the essential principles for conducting design competitions for government symbols and logos. This rule is critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring that such creative procurement processes are beyond reproach.
Breakdown of the Rule
- Transparent, Fair, and Objective Manner: The core requirement is that the entire competition process, from announcement to selection, must adhere to these three principles. This prevents favoritism and ensures a level playing field for all participants.
- Wide Publicity: To maximize participation and ensure accessibility, the competition details must be widely publicized. This includes publishing information on the concerned Ministry/Department’s website and the GeM-Central Public Procurement Portal (GeM-CPPP).
- Jury of Experts: If a jury is formed for the selection, its composition must be notified. This adds another layer of transparency, allowing the public and participants to understand who is evaluating the submissions.
Practical Example
Imagine the Ministry of Culture decides to launch a competition for a new national cultural festival logo. According to Rule 196, they must ensure the competition rules are clear and unbiased. They would publish the competition details on their website and GeM-CPPP, inviting designers nationwide. If they appoint a panel of renowned artists and graphic designers to judge the entries, the names and backgrounds of these jury members would also be publicly announced to ensure confidence in the selection process.
Related Provisions
This rule is part of a broader framework for public procurement and financial management. Other relevant rules include:
- Rule 144 of The General Financial Rules, 2017 Fundamental Principles of Public Buying: This rule lays down the overarching principles of efficiency, economy, transparency, and fair treatment in all public procurement, which directly applies to design competitions.
- Rule 159 of The General Financial Rules, 2017 E-Publishing: This rule mandates the publication of tender enquiries and bid awards on the GeM-Central Public Procurement Portal, reinforcing the publicity aspect of Rule 196.
- Rule 180 of The General Financial Rules, 2017 Identification of Services Required by Consultants: While Rule 196 specifically deals with design competitions, Rule 180 provides general guidance on engaging consultants for specific jobs, which can include creative services.
Learning Aids
Mnemonics
- Publicity Transparency Fairness Jury: Remember “PTFJ” for the key elements of Rule 196 – Publicity, Transparency, Fairness, and Jury notification.
Process Flowchart
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. According to Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, how should design competitions for symbols/logos be conducted?
- A) With minimal publicity to avoid overwhelming responses
- B) In a transparent, fair, and objective manner
- C) Primarily through closed invitations to select agencies
- D) With a focus on speed rather than objectivity
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) In a transparent, fair, and objective manner
2. Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, states that information about design competitions should be accessible to whom?
- A) Only government employees
- B) Only registered vendors on GeM
- C) All possible participants in the competition
- D) Only those who pay a registration fee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) All possible participants in the competition
3. Where should the publication of design competition details be included, as per Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
- A) Only in national newspapers
- B) On the Ministry/Department’s website and GeM-CPPP
- C) Exclusively through internal government circulars
- D) Via direct mail to pre-selected designers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) On the Ministry/Department’s website and GeM-CPPP
4. If a jury of experts is nominated for selection in a design competition, what does Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, require regarding their composition?
- A) Their composition must remain confidential
- B) Their composition may be notified
- C) Their composition is irrelevant to the rule
- D) Only the number of jury members needs to be notified
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) Their composition may be notified
5. What is the primary goal of conducting design competitions in a transparent, fair, and objective manner under Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
- A) To limit the number of participants
- B) To ensure the information is accessible to all possible participants
- C) To reduce administrative burden
- D) To prioritize cost-saving over quality
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) To ensure the information is accessible to all possible participants
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main purpose of Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
A: Rule 196 aims to ensure that all public competitions for the design of symbols or logos are conducted in a transparent, fair, and objective manner, with wide publicity to attract diverse participation and ensure impartiality.
Q: Where should the details of a design competition be published according to Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
A: The details should be published on the website of the concerned Ministry/Department and on the GeM-Central Public Procurement Portal (GeM-CPPP) to ensure wide accessibility.
Q: Is it mandatory to notify the composition of a jury for design competitions under Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017?
A: Yes, if the selection is made by a jury of experts, their composition “may also be notified” to enhance transparency and public confidence in the evaluation process.
Key Takeaways
- Design competitions for government symbols/logos must be transparent, fair, and objective.
- Wide publicity is essential, including publication on official websites and GeM-CPPP.
- The composition of any expert jury for selection should be notified to ensure impartiality.
- The rule aims to foster public trust and broad participation in creative procurement.
Conclusion
Rule 196 of the General Financial Rules, 2017, serves as a cornerstone for ethical and effective public procurement in the creative domain. By emphasizing transparency, fairness, and broad accessibility, it ensures that the selection of national symbols and logos is a credible process, reflecting the best available talent and maintaining public confidence in government operations.