CHENNAI: The state government on Wednesday released a comprehensive set of guidelines governing the registration of contractors carrying out works under the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RD&PR) department. Under the Contractor Registration Guidelines, contractors already registered with other government departments will no longer be required to obtain a separate RD&PR registration. They will automatically qualify to participate in tenders after receiving a deposit.
Applicants must have at least two years of experience in the construction sector and demonstrate financial ability. Experience gained in the private sector will also be recognized. New entrants with no prior experience can also sign up for jobs up to Rs 10 lakh by providing a deposit of Rs 20,000.
Works worth over Rs 2 crore will not require pre-registration, provided the bidders fulfill the conditions laid down in the individual tenders. Certain categories including SCs, STs, SHGs, panchayat level federations, unemployed civil engineering graduates and degree holders who have completed their studies within the previous five years, and women contractors registering as sole proprietors are exempted from payment of registration fees.
Registrations will remain valid for three years and contractors who complete at least one job during this period will be granted an automatic renewal for another three years. Applications will be processed within 15 days. The guideline allows unregistered contractors to participate in tenders. Those selected for employment will be required to provide a non-refundable bank guarantee as a security deposit.
Contractors can face temporary suspension for repeated tender irregularities, while blacklisting can be imposed for poor quality work, delays, corruption, bid rigging, submission of false documents or other serious violations. Blacklisting can lead to cancellation of registration for 12 to 36 months, termination of ongoing contracts and recovery of financial losses from the contractor.
