Reply: Government procurement is a decentralized activity and as such official statistics of Government procurement as percentage of GDP etc. are not available at present.
Singapore 14:
The WTO Secretariat report (WT/TPR/S/249, page 106, para 219) notes that India is moving towards a more competitive and transparent procurement framework. However, there is no common procurement legislation in place currently. Please elaborate if there are plans to establish a common procurement framework and legislation, as well as any plans to accede to the WTO GPA.
Reply: Indian procurement system is already competitive and transparent and Rule 137, 160 and 161 of the General Financial Rules contain the basic principles of public buying. Chapter 6 of the General Financial Rules, 2005 contains general rules applicable to all Ministries or Departments regarding procurement of goods, engagement of consultants and outsourcing of services. Detailed instructions relating to the procurement of goods can be issued by the procuring ministries/departments in conformity with the general rules contained in this chapter. Establishment of a legislative framework for public procurement is under consideration of the Government of India. Issue of India's accession to GPA is under examination. At present, any commitment on this issue is not feasible.
