Goa Contractors Union Thanks CM Pramod Sawant for Scrapping 2007 Tender Circular

Panjim, 2 June 2025: Today The Goa Contractors Union (GCU) extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for his decisive action in abolishing the 2007 circular that mandated the rejection of tenders quoting more than 20% below the estimated cost. This circular, in effect for over 17 years, had been a significant impediment to fair competition and fiscal prudence in public works stated President Sunil Signapurkar. Also present were Spokesperson Jitesh Kamat, Vice President Umesh Gadekar, Umesh Dharwadkar, Treasurer Amol Navelkar, Secretary Sandesh Potnis, Dayanand Sawant, Dinesh Nageshkar.

Further they also acknowledged and appreciate the pivotal role played by the Principal Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) Shri. Uttam Paraekar in facilitating the removal of this unjust directive. Their commitment to transparency and accountability has been instrumental in this reform.

Spokesperson Jitesh Kamat stated that “2007 circular had long been criticized for fostering an environment conducive to corruption and favoritism. Notably, a 2005 noting by the Secretary of Vigilance highlighted that such a practice was absent in the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and was an innovation within the PWD that created opportunities for corrupt practices. Circular is nothing but a transparent corruption.The policy of setting a floor limit below which tenders could not be accepted was illogical and detrimental to the public exchequer”.

“Despite these concerns, successive administrations failed to address the issue. It is commendable that the current leadership has taken this bold step to rectify a longstanding anomaly expressed” Kamat.

“We are aware that vested interests benefiting from the previous system may attempt to exert pressure on the government to reinstate such policies. However, we have full faith in the Chief Minister’s resolve to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency. This move signifies a commitment to eliminating corruption and ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of the people of Goa. At all such attempts are made our union will adopt legal way, warns” Kamat.

“The GCU stands in solidarity with the government’s efforts to promote good governance and pledges its continued support in the pursuit of a corruption-free administration” stated Spokesperson Jitesh Kamat.