OECD Asks for Transparency in Public Procurement to Curb Corruption

The two-day Seventh Regional Conference of the ADB/OECD Anti-corruption Initiative concluded in New Delhi on 29 September.

Public procurement has long been perceived to be prone to corruption. The Conference underscored the fact that the designing of procurement systems, based on transparency, competition and objective criteria, is critical for prevention of corruption in public procurement. The Conference pointed out that new technologies, such as e-procurement could simplify procurement procedures, and ensure the highest level of transparency, without compromising the fairness of the bidding process. Anti-corruption and fair competition agencies should work together closely to address the links between corruption and bid-rigging.

The Conference took note of the fact that the private sector in Asia-Pacific, has to share more responsibility for tackling corruption in business transactions, through the adoption and implementation of corporate compliance frameworks. The Conference commended for adoption of the international standards on corporate compliance set out in framework documents, such as the OECD Good Practice Guidance, which can be adapted by companies of all sizes, including SMEs.

The Conference observed that there is a need to create an environment in which civil society organisations can thrive, including effective access to information laws, safe and reliable channels to report allegations of corruption to the law enforcement authorities, such as an independent ombudsman.

The two day conference was inaugurated by President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and was attended by experts from the 28 member countries and economies of the ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative and leading global experts and representatives of international organizations, leading enterprises, business associations and civil society. In all, 78 foreign delegates and over 100 Indian delegates participated in the deliberations.

[Source: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, PIB Press Release dated 29^th September 2011]