Meeting with Central Vigilance Commissioner

A delegation led by President, Vice President, Convenor, Tender Monitoring Directorate CA. Gyan Chandra Misra and Vice Chairman, Professional Development Committee CA. Mangesh P. Kinare met the Chief Vigilance Commissioner Shri P.K. Srivastava at latter’s office on 18th May, 2023. The ICAI delegation had a very detailed across the table discussions, where the CVC was accompanied by Shri Arvinda Kumar, Vigilance Commissioner, CA. P. Daniel, Secretary CVC, Shri Shailendra Singh, C.T.E. and Shri Rajiv Verma, Director, CVC. It was discussed on how Least Cost method of selection can be avoided in hiring of professional services of Chartered Accountants and at the same time, quality can be maintained. Last year, a delegation of ICAI led by the then President, CA. (Dr.) Debashis Mitra had met the then CVC, Shri Suresh N. Patel on 8th April, 2022 whereupon a representation dated 27th April, 2022 was sent to him inter-alia requesting for modification of para 3.8 of “Manual of Procurement of Consultancy & Other Services, 2017” issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India wherein it was mentioned that “Least Cost Selection Method” is considered suitable for assignments of standard or routine nature such as audits. It was learnt that our request has been acted upon by the Ministry of Finance and an updated Manual has been issued in June, 2022 wherein the word, “audit” has been dropped from standard or routine nature of assignment. Therefore, the organisations tendering for audit work, need not adopt Least Cost Selection Method. Helpdesk and Grievance Any member in practice seeking any help or having any grievance in relation to tenders for professional services, can call 011-30110557 or 011-30110408 or can write to tender.enquiry@icai.in. Prompt action is assured.