In preparation for the upcoming local and Lok Sabha elections scheduled for 2023-24, the Public Works Department (PWD) in Maharashtra has taken measures to adjust the timeframes for the e-tendering process based on project values. Notably, projects valued up to Rs 25 crores will now have a shortened e-tendering period of 15 days, reduced from the earlier 30 days. Meanwhile, projects valued between Rs 25 crores and Rs 100 crores will undergo a 21-day e-tendering process, and those exceeding Rs 100 crores will retain the 30-day period. The decision aims to uphold the momentum of development projects while mitigating potential disruptions caused by the imposition of model codes of conduct during the electoral period.
The announcement, detailed in a PWD notification, underscores the department’s intention to facilitate continuous development initiatives without succumbing to election-related constraints. “In view of the local and Lok Sabha elections, the timeframe for the e-tendering process has been reduced to avoid any impact on various developmental works,” the notification emphasized.
While the PWD’s primary responsibilities encompass road and bridge construction, maintenance, and government building upkeep, it also functions as a technical consultant to the state government. Officials from the PWD assert that the decision aims to accelerate large-scale projects in advance of local self-government, Lok Sabha, and local elections by streamlining the e-tendering timeline.
Bapu Bahir, Chief Superintendent Engineer of the PWD Pune division, elaborated on the move’s purpose: “The move is to speed up development work. Otherwise, the development projects are affected due to the election codes of conduct which hamper the entire development process of the state. Therefore, the state has issued guidelines to speed up the tender process as mentioned in the order. The government has almost halved the e-tendering period.”
While the decision has been made with the intention of expediting development efforts, civic activist Vivek Velankar expressed skepticism about its impact on the public. Velankar noted, “I don’t think such a step has been taken before every election. It will not serve any purpose from a public perspective. The administration will float tenders and earn money. The politicians too will announce different projects and inaugurate them to get mileage for the election. The common man will not get any benefit from it. The projects will not be completed in time.”
As the Maharashtra government strives to balance election-related protocols with the imperative of continuous development, the efficacy of this decision remains a topic of discussion among various stakeholders.
