Chandigarh Administration Orders Departments to Drop Restrictive Tender Clauses

The Chandigarh administration has directed all departments, boards and corporations to ensure transparency and fair competition in tenders involving manpower engagement and outsourcing of services, following complaints that restrictive conditions in tender documents were limiting participation. The Times of India reported the instructions were issued with the approval of the competent authority.

What the Chandigarh Administration Told Departments

The administration said the vigilance department had received complaints regarding restrictive clauses in tender documents. The issue is being examined for framing standard operating procedures and standard terms and conditions for the procurement process.

All departments have been directed to strictly comply with the General Financial Rules, 2017, as amended from time to time, and the Government of India's applicable procurement manual for non-consultancy services. The instructions state that eligibility criteria and tender conditions must be objective, reasonable, non-discriminatory and directly linked to the nature and requirements of the services being procured.

Departments have been asked to avoid unjustified restrictive clauses, excessive experience or turnover requirements, unnecessary geographical restrictions, and mandatory certifications or licences not required under applicable rules. The administration also emphasised the need for clearly defined recruitment and selection procedures, wherever applicable, to ensure transparency, merit and protection of candidates' interests.

All departments and agencies have been instructed to bring the directions to the notice of officers handling procurement and tendering and ensure strict compliance at every level. According to the administration, the measures are intended to strengthen fairness, transparency and accountability while encouraging healthy competition in the award of manpower and outsourcing contracts.

Earlier Chandigarh Administration Notifications

On September 16, 2026, the Chandigarh administration notified health service rules for Group-A medical officers, fixing 186 sanctioned posts, with recruitment, promotion and service conditions set and time-bound promotions under the DACP scheme, ANI News reported. On September 23, 2026, The Times of India reported that Punjab's PCMSA opposed the rules creating a local cadre for Group A medical officers, citing a violation of the 60:40 inter-state deputation framework. On September 14, 2026, The Times of India reported the administration submitted draft rules to the Union home ministry to grant ownership rights to rehabilitation colony allottees.

Procurement Reviews Elsewhere

On October 19, 2026, InfoMoney reported that TCE-RJ suspended payments to Triunfo Consultoria Educacional over suspected irregularities in a 2023 contract with the Rio de Janeiro government's representation office, a contract exceeding R$2.5 million for educational software licences. On October 12, 2026, Eleconomista reported that FCC and OHLA are competing for a 1.547.9 million-euro concession to rehabilitate and operate Madrid's Palacio de Congresos, with offer deadlines extended to December 15. On October 8, 2026, ExecutiveBiz reported that Deltek released an analysis of federal government procurement opportunities for FY2027, identifying procurement consolidation, a proposed small business size standard overhaul, and reopening of the 8(a) program.

Next Steps for Chandigarh Administration

The administration said standard operating procedures and standard terms and conditions for the procurement process are being framed, with the issue under examination.