Shillong, June 12 – The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday approved the adoption of Swiss Challenge Method for Procurement in the State, joining a list of states which are already implementing it.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the Swiss Challenge Method of Procurement is a new form of public procurement, wherein a government invites bids for a public project, and then publishes the bid, before inviting competing counter proposals to either match or improve the initial proposal.

“If a unique idea comes up from an individual on how to implement a project, such a unique initiative, the government will study the DPR through a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary,” he told journalists.

“If the committee found the idea and DPR feasible, it would be sent to the government for approval and float a tender for implementing the projects,” Tynsong said, adding that a number of states have also adopted the Swiss Challenge Method of Procurement.

The Swiss Challenge Method is one that has been used in India by various states including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Gujarat for roads and housing projects.

In 2009, the Supreme Court approved the method for award of contracts.