Port Blair, Oct. 31: In connection with the Vigilance Awareness Week - 2012,   a debate on “Transparency in Public Procurement” was held today in the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Agriculture, Port Blair. 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri M.A. Salam, Joint Secretary-cum-Director of Agriculture said that all government purchases should be made in a transparent, competitive and fair manner, to secure best value for money. He called upon the officers and staff of the Agriculture Department to ensure utmost transparency in the procurement of goods and services in the department. 

The Director said that the department will arrange short duration training courses for its officers and staff on various aspects of public procurement and other issues. 

Shri Anil Koshy, Accounts Officer (Agri) who initiated the Debate, emphasized on the need to maintain financial discipline and accountability while resorting to public procurement. A number of officers and staff working in the Agriculture Department participated in the Debate, which was lively and fruitful. Dr GS Pandey, Joint Director (Agri. Engg.)  later proposed a Vote of Thanks.