Training on Public Procurement for Public Procurement Officers
POSTED ON - May 24th, 2022
JSW Law organized the first-ever Training on Public Procurement for Public Procurement Officers. The two-day training was organized to familiarize Public Contracts in Bhutan and beyond with negotiations, contract management, liabilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as to explore the development of short-term and long term training on public contracts in future and contribute to nation building through public procurement as an academic institution.
The opening session of the workshop was graced by Hon’ble Auditor General Dasho Tashi where he Highlighted on the importance of procurement in our day to day lives. Dasho Tashi quoted “everything begins with Procurement” and emphasized on taking responsibility and accountability. While delving into the topic of quality vs quantity, rule vs logic and setting the best product with cheapest price, were some of the driving issues that are faced in procurement. He mentioned that one of the salient observations regarding the procurement process was the importance of keeping proper documentation other than following due process in the system. Also marking temptation and opportunities in this field, Dasho emphasized on wiping away such opportunities in the first place ensuring proper internal control.
The training was facilitated by three faculty members from JSW law and three international experts on public procurement. This training was originally scheduled to take place prior to the conference on 17-18 February 2022 before the first-ever National Conference on the Public Contracts held on 21-23 February 2022. However, due to the continuous lockdown resulting in a surge of COVID-19 cases, the training was deferred. We have about 28 Procurement Officers representing nine ministries out of 10 Ministries, agencies, thromdes and Dzongkhags attending the training.
The training was funded by the Department of National Properties, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan and Commercial Law Program, U.S. State of Commerce.
