In a bid to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the procurement process, Punjab Finance Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, officially launched the State Public Procurement Portal (SPPP) on Wednesday. Developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the SPPP is a significant step towards promoting competition and accountability in the state’s procurement procedures.
The launch took place during a one-day orientation program for State Account Services (SAS) officers at the Municipal Bhawan. Minister Cheema emphasized that the SPPP is in accordance with Section 43 of the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019. Its primary objective is to provide the public with easy access to vital information related to tenders, bidding documents, corrigendum, rules, appeals, procurement plans, and more.
Speaking about the portal’s significance, Finance Minister Cheema stated that it will serve as a central repository of procurement-related information from various procuring entities. All procuring entities will be required to publish their procurement plans on the portal at the beginning of each financial year, further enhancing transparency.
During the orientation program, Minister Cheema encouraged SAS officers to stay updated with professional skills through training programs, ensuring efficient financial management with the latest IT and technological advancements. He also sought their valuable feedback and suggestions to address any challenges they face in their day-to-day work.
The program also focused on familiarizing SAS officers with the new modules of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) and the Integrated Human Resource Management System (IHRMS). These modules are designed to streamline official work, ensuring accuracy and speed while emphasizing adherence to rules and regulations.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Principal Secretary Finance Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Secretary Finance Diprava Lakra, Secretary Expenditure cum Director Treasury Mohammad Tayyab, and Special Secretary Finance Yashanjit Singh.
The State Public Procurement Portal marks a major milestone in Punjab’s efforts to establish a transparent and accountable governance framework in its procurement processes, aiming to bolster the state’s economic position through financial reforms and technological advancements.
