The discretionary powers enjoyed by Ministers at the Centre have been done away with. The Government has accepted the recommendations made by the Group of Ministers on Corruption to this effect. Making an announcement at a press conference in New Delhi on 14th september, Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid said that it has also accepted the recommendation to fast track all cases of public servants accused of corruption and ensure full transparency in public procurements and contracts.
The Minister said an open and competitive bidding system of exploiting natural resources has also been approved besides an amendment in the constitution to provide for summary proceedings in the cases of blatant corruption by public servants. Replying questions on relinquishment of discretionary powers by central ministers, Mr. Khurshid said that the group of Ministers had reviewed the information furnished by various departments and ministries and it was recommended to frame guidelines for exercise of the discretionary powers.
On public procurement, Mr. Khurshid said that the Group of Secretaries had been set up to ensure transparent procurement. He expressed confidence that by the end of the current year a Public Procurement bill will be brought in Parliament.
He said the Group of Ministers has added that the proposed law may contain the broad principles governing public procurements. It also suggested framing of rules and standardisation of documents for public private partnership projects.
The group of Ministers set up in January this year submitted its first report in April. The recommendations have been accepted with some minor changes after due consideration by department of personnel, cabinet secretariat and PMO
