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com THE HIMALAYAN TIMES, THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2009

TheHimalayanT I M E S
E-procurement implementation
A THOUGHT FOR T O D AY
Coming to Nepalese context
Vote for the man who promises least. He’ll be the SATYA NARAYAN SHAH other countries also that combining accountability tem as it enables automatic
least disappointing. —Bernard Baruch have faced such incidences. with efficiency. The partner e-mail to bidders on tender

T here is much to be done

in Nepal for good gover-
nance. As a developing
The difference is that they
have learnt lessons from
mistakes and cleared the
designed, developed and
launched the application
under the guidelines fixed
publication, bid documents
available on net in public
domain, corrigendum in

Futile missions country, a major portion of

Nepal’s annual budget is
used in the procurement of
hurdles, whereas we have
been watching helplessly.
India has devised and im-
by the government with an
agreement for one year as
pilot program to be imple-
public domain, no interface
with departments up to ten-
der opening, support docu-

B y all accounts, people are getting the impression

that ministers and secretaries in the government
service lose no opportunity to avail foreign trips. As a
works, goods, and services.
Hence, it becomes impor-
tant to give more emphasis
plemented E-procurement
system in order to overcome
all these unfortunate inci-
mented by four depart-
ments only. This business
model PPP started with spe-
ments are open to competi-
tive bidders soon after
tender opening, tender
matter of fact, most of them appear to be preoccu- on these activities in order dences. Over 75 per cent of cial features of payment evaluation status automati-
pied with them and they even consider such junkets to accomplish them in a budget is spent through the modality. The bidders do cally notified to bidders,
to be part of their job to attend seminars organized transparent and efficient procurement process. Thus not have to pay for any bid- procurement status in
by INGOs. But, according to those privy 50 per cent of manner. It is well known to e-procurement system ding fees like document public domain.
the foreign visits of secretaries and ministers were all that the project executing should be considered as one costs and bid security like Department of Roads of
unnecessary. This situation must not be allowed departments suffer espe- of the major components of we do in Nepal. In this our country has also started
to continue for the ministers and secretaries appear cially in procurement good governance. To launch modality the service e-procurement by imple-
to be going on such junkets which a resource processes. Physical threats this system it demands a provider and the beneficia- menting e-submission of
crunched country like ours can ill afford. As is often to bidders, cartel formation, political decision with hon- ries are doing well without bids after a public notice on
the case now, as soon as ministers are appointed suppressed competition, est commitment as a prime Transparency, which is one of the main any complaints and the BS 2064/8/24. This is not a
and assume office one of the priorities seems to be to pressures on department requirement. Like in India, it objectives of good governance, is achieved users are increasing every complete replacement
go on foreign trips. It is also known that there is in- officials, inordinate delays started with a strong will year. The major benefits of the traditional bidding
tense competition amongst ministers and secretaries in tender finalization, hu- power and great sense of ac-
through e-procurement system as it demonstrated after imple- methods as it is not manda-
to go on these junkets. Moreover, it is found that the man interface, manipula- countability of the then enables automatic e-mail to bidders on mentation of the system tory. This only enables
same person goes on one foreign trip after another tions, tampering, inade-
instead of giving others in the same ministry a quate transparency, adverse
chief minister of Andhra
Pradesh (India), Mr. Chan-
tender publication, bid documents available can be listed as the cost sav-
ings to a tune of IRs
a bidder to submit their
tenders through public do-
chance to do so. press coverage on tender dra Babu Naidu. on net in public domain, corrigendum in 3700 crores accounting to main provided by the
Another revelation is that the primary decisions
taken by the cabinet of ministers these days is ap-
fracas are the most com-
mon incidences that hap-
To bring his words in
practice he applied SMART
public domain, no interface with economy in advertising and
other procedural expenses,
Department of Roads
at www.dor.gov.np but at
proving foreign visits by the ministers. This is not to pens during the procure- as a strategic tool, which is departments up to tender opening improved efficiency (120 the same time the bidder
say that the ministers and secretaries are not entitled ment processes. A recent in- abbreviation of Simple, days to 32 days) in finalizing has to submit their hard-
to go abroad to attend seminars and the like, but their cident during the tendering Moral, Accountable, Re- the tenders, transparency, copy documents to the de-
visits should have relevance. As is often the case, this process happened in the sponsive and Transparent state but could be success- worth about IRs. 15 thou- elimination of contractor partment, which is manda-
is not so. The ministers should instead be doing Trichandra College throws a Government backed by e- ful in developing his system sand crores in the last cartels, empowerment tory. There is no omission of
something constructive very sad example of getting governance. He very well as exemplary in India and year without any hassle of bidders, remote submis- the bidding fees. This
for the country and their our young citizens involved knew the importance of the abroad. It was possible only and controversy. sion of bids, reduced bid- process can be taken as a
It is always countrymen instead of in the illegal and unsocial technology in fostering due to his wide political vi- The success of the model ding and incidental costs first step towards imple-
seen that there squandering scanty re- activities. This shows how good governance. That is sion and strong commit- is also exemplary to the rest and dependence on depart- mentation of a complete e-
is intense sources and valuable deeply rooted corruption is why he could be successful ment as well as bureaucratic of the developing countries. mental officials. procurement system.
time in junkets. If the vis- in the procurement process in using Information Tech- honesty and dedication. The special features of this Transparency, which is Mr. Shah is a Mechanical
competition its are fruitful then, of in the country. nology for this purpose. Due to this achievement the model are that there is no one of the main objectives Engineer working with the
amongst ministers course, the ministers
should undertake such
Nepal alone is not facing
such problems but there are
Mr. Naidu didn’t only im- state has been able to per-
form the procurement
capital cost to the state and
the risk is equally shared
of good governance, is Department of Roads as a
plement the system in his achieved through this sys- Coordinator of MIS/IT
and secretaries visits in the course of
to go on junkets serving the country. We
find that most of the visits
are led by ministers and secretaries and their • TOPICS • BLOG SURF
visits are sanctioned by the Office of the Prime Minis-
On treks
ter and Council of Minister which possess the au-
thority to do so. It is also found that these visits
are approved without assessing them, so the minis-
ters and secretaries are continuing to embark on
Genuine concern of a citizen CHRIS WALKER
SHANKAR BABU ACHARYA Worries and frustration can also not much foundation has been laid so
trips at the expense of the national cofers that serve bring positive results. To develop our far. Even the few bases that we have
no useful purpose.
However, it must be said here that one of the rea- T he saying goes, “Rome was not
built in a day”, which I think means
country, to end the abject poverty and
to raise the standard of our education,
are already deserted, and are useless
and old. We are fighting for the so
T his important energy
building skill is great
training for high altitude
sons why the government service entices many we should not expect to build some- we have the potential. There are im- called identity.
is the opportunity it affords to travel abroad. The trekking. It’s very important
thing great in a short period of time. It mense possibilities: our geography Also, we are fighting for petty rea- for high altitude training to breathing in as breathing
common man finds it difficult to travel at his/her takes really a lot of time and effort to can be an asset for our development. It sons, personal interests. People seem
own expense. Among the various government min- practice energy absorption, out. Then repeat and try in-
achieve something important. You can become one of the finest tourist to have forgotten the very essential lung cell stimulation, creasing the length of in-
istries, certain ministries afford more chances for must work hard and overcome many destinations in the world. Rivers can things to consider. We will remain only
their staff to go on junkets. Here again it should be cleansing breath and deep halation and exhalation
challenges if you want to complete be utilized for hydropower develop- if Nepal stands well. We can search for breathing. counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
emphasized that the visits are alright if they serve your goal. ment and irrigation. Our medicinal our identity in a prosperous and well
the purpose, but they should not be mere Walk with your head up, 9, 10, one count to a step
Seeing the pathetic condition of herbs can earn cash. Then why are we developed Nepal. chin drawn in slightly, breathing normally. Repeat
pleasure trips. Therefore, it is essential that a Nepal, it is quite normal to grow frus- worrying? And, why is Nepal critically However, every cloud has a silver
mechanism is developed to assess if such visits have shoulders back and take as long as you choose. Even-
tration and cynicism. As it is, they say facing brain drain problem? Are wor- lining. Foundations can be created measured steps. Inhale a tually there is no need to
relevance and accrues benefits in some way or other nothing happens in Nepal. The politi- ries justifiable? now. Our dedication and hard work
to the country. Since the decision is made at the complete breath through stop the practice on a thirty
cians and experts are supposedly cor- The above mentioned possibilities will definitely make a new Nepal. your nose, counting (in your to forty minute walk. In the
high level, the Prime Minister should act in a respon- rupt and bad. So it’s an extremity of are based on theoretical potentials Drafting of a good constitution will be
sible manner while approving the visits as the Chief head), making the inhala- Himalayas, you may need to
foolishness to wait for some miracle to only. All that glitters is not gold. All the our landmark for a better future. Let’s tion extend over the eight modify this practice be-
Secretary cannot scrap proposals of such visits. For happen. As a result, many young peo- potentials may not materialize. To join hands together. We must work
their part, the ministers and secretaries should not counts. Exhale slowly cause there is less oxygen in
ple wish to leave their motherland for convince Nepalese people for their se- hard and keep working hard if we want through the nostrils, count- each breath. It might be
abuse their post by going after unnecessary foreign any other countries around the world. cure future, the foundation for the to build something great i.e. a prosper-
visits, and they should be more responsible to ing as before. Always do the counting 1,2 for inhale and
Brain drain is the reality. progress must be built. Unfortunately, ous and developed Nepal. same number of steps 1,2 for exhale. — walkinspired.com
the country and people and travel abroad only
when their duty and job demands it and not to
make their post a platform to go on trips just for the
fun of it at the nation’s cost. • CARTOON • CREDOS
Hooting matter Don’t we all?
W hen it came to poaching and trafficking animal
organ and parts, the image of a tiger or rhinoc-
eros would automatically spring into the mind. The O ne evening I was
parked in front of the
widened, something inside
said, “Ask him if he needs
how much you have, no
matter how much you have
lack of publicity maybe the reason why many people mall wiping off my car. I had any help.” I was sure that he accomplished, you need
do not have an idea as to the other animals, birds, just come from the car wash would say yes, but I held help too. Even if it’s just a
reptiles, insects, fish, etc. that are on the endangered and was waiting for my wife true to the inner voice. compliment, you can give
list and nearing extinction. The case of the Eurasian to finish work. Coming my “Do you need any help?” I that! You never know when
Eagle Owl is a case in point as has been reported in way from across the parking asked. He answered in three you may see someone that
this daily. It has been “pushed to the brink of extinc- lot was what society would simple but profound words appears to have it all. They
tion”. This is a sad case of inadequate attention given consider a bum. From the that I shall never forget. I ex- are waiting on you to give
to their protection. The law may have all the tough looks of him he had no car, pected nothing but an out- them what they don’t have.
words against poaching and smuggling of such living no home, no clean clothes stretched grimy hand. He Maybe the man was just a
creatures, but the laxity of the enforcement of the le- and no money. spoke three words that stranger wandering. Maybe
gal provisions has been a grievous misfortune for the There are times when you shook me, “Don’t we all?” he he was more than that.
unique and diverse wildlife of Nepal. feel generous, but there are said. I needed help. Maybe Maybe he was sent by a
The lucrative trade in such exotic owls has flour- times that you just don’t not for bus fare or a place to power that is great and wise
ished because of the ease with which the illegal activ- want to be bothered. This sleep, but I needed help. I to minister to a soul too
ities can be carried out. There also have been reports was one of the “Don’t want reached in my wallet and comfortable in himself.
of political influence being used to get the poachers to be bothered” times! He gave him not only enough Maybe God looked down,
released for free even if they fall into the hands of the came and sat on the curb in for bus fare but enough to called an Angel, dressed him
security personnel. Political commitment and strict front of the bus stop. get a warm meal and shelter like a bum and then said,
enforcement of the legal provisions are a must to save The expected plea for for the day. “Go minister to that man
our natural wealth in the form of flora and fauna. money never came. As the Those three little words cleaning the car, that man
silence between us still ring true. No matter needs help.” —wow4u.com

• LETTERS
Modern
problems
The generalization of the seven
concessionaires, as though a
single entity, and the
inaccuracies in the facts and
figures has dragged Tiger Tops
into this fray most reluctantly.
Quite honestly, we do not see the
reason why the lease renewal
issue should reach a level of near
hysteria. To our way of thinking,
it is a simple matter of the legal
interpretation of Clause 6 of the
National Park Act - 2029 and
subsequent Clause 3.1 of the
Regulations & Directives 2030.
Whilst the National Park
authorities understand this as
being applicable to all lessees,
current and new entrants; our
understanding, as confirmed by
senior advocates, is that it is
applicable to new lodges/resorts
only as the concerned extant
lodges have individual
agreements which clearly
mention that the lease can be
renewed by mutual agreement.
Additionally, one must realise
that the clause was written after
the existence of Tiger Tops as we
pre-date the parks legislation —
thus we cannot be made to
tender post establishment.
Perhaps the reluctance on the
part of the Government to renew
the lease is an indication that the
National Park Act itself needs
amending and that rather than
admit that they are caught on the
wrong foot are desperately trying
to muddle through the process. A
classic case of trying to find
solution to modern problems
within outdated rules.
As the oldest lodge inside the
national park, Tiger Tops has
always been in the forefront of
conservation tourism and has
been able to keep and maintain
the delicate balance between
tourism and conservation. So
strong is our effort in this that we
can proudly claim to be an
institution in itself. We are
constantly putting up our
standards in maintaining quality
service ecological measures. As
the last evaluation team has
recorded, we do a good job with
our conservation efforts. A recent
American tourist re-defined it for
us as “you are not a tourism
organisation; you are a
conservation organisation
funded by tourism” — this sums
up our approach tidily. Likewise,
we are the top most
revenue-paying lodge inside or
outside the national park with
substantial employment volume
as well as genuine involvement
in works related to social welfare
in and round the local areas.
If things go the way they are at
the moment, Tiger Tops has to
think very seriously about its
future not only about leaving the
national park but also the whole
of Nepal altogether. What
message that will give to
potential foreign investors
and/or conservation fraternity,
only time will tell.
Yadav Bantawa, General
Manager, Tiger Mountain Nepal
Default
Hundreds of people have lost
their lives to diarrhoea,
otherwise a simple preventable
and treatable disease, now
allowed to assume epidemic
proportion due mainly to the
collective default on the part of
government and donor health
and sanitation officials. Given the
chronically sorry state of health
and sanitation management in
the rural communities most of
which remain roadless, the
epidemic had been a disaster
waiting to happen. As if to add
insult to injury to the victims, PM
Madhav Kumar Nepal recently
allowed himself to be serenaded
by the Health Secretary when she
told him that the epidemic would
be controlled in three months,
brazenly suggesting that more
preventable deaths are perfectly
acceptable to the government.
Therefore, to show that PM Nepal
is heading an accountable
government, he must
immediately form a “high level
Inquiry Commission” to do an
“in-depth study into the
circumstances that led to the
spread of the epidemic in the
remote villages only” as
suggested by Gokul Pokhrel
“Epidemics, people and politics”,
(THT, August 4) and put in place
reforms that would prevent such
senseless tragedies in future.
Bihari Krishna Shrestha,
Chakupat Green Block, Lalitpur
To the point
This is in response to Gokul
Pokhrel’s article “Epidemics, peo-
ple and politics” (THT,
August 4). Pokhrel is very correct
and his article could be a
guide-line for the control of the
epidemic in the remote West of
the country.
I would like to suggest the
government to be benefited
from the ideas incorporated in
the article.
The government should
stop trying to receive more
money for the epidemic-control
from the foreign donors that
develops a culture of
dependency, a psychology of
fake nationalism and an
economy of parasitism.
R. Manandhar, via e-mail
Letters to this column should be addressed to
Letters C/o Edit Page Editor,
The Himalayan Times, Post Box 11651, APCA House,
Baidya Khana Road, Kathmandu, Nepal
email: edit@thehimalayantimes.com,
Fax 0977-1-4771959