Finance Department’s Circular on Tender Advertisements Triggers Backlash from Media Community, Corrigendum issued

Agartala, Mar 13, 2025, By Our Correspondent20

A new directive from the Finance Department regarding the publication of Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) advertisements has sparked strong criticism from the media community. The circular, issued on March 1, 2025, states that “it is no longer mandatory to issue advertisements in newspapers.” While it does include a provision allowing advertisements if the procuring entities find them necessary, the ambiguity in the phrase “considering necessity” has raised concerns over potential inconsistencies and biases in decision-making.

Media professionals argue that this change gives individual officials at NIT-issuing offices full discretion in determining whether to publish advertisements. This could lead to a lack of transparency, as personal preferences, external influences, or vested interests might play a role in such decisions. Critics fear that removing the mandatory requirement could significantly reduce public visibility of tender notices, potentially limiting fair competition and favoring select bidders.

Following the controversy that erupted on Wednesday, sources within the government indicated that the administration is aware of the concerns raised by media stakeholders. In response, a corrigendum has reportedly been issued, though its contents have not yet been widely circulated.

For years, the practice of publishing NIT advertisements in both local and national newspapers—based on the volume of work, estimated cost, and category of the tender—has been a well-established norm. This policy ensured that tender information reached a broad audience, enhancing transparency and fair competition. Media authorities warn that if the revised directive is implemented, it will deal a significant blow to the newspaper industry, which relies heavily on government advertisements as a primary source of revenue.

Local media representatives are calling on the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the critical role that newspapers play in disseminating public information and maintaining accountability in governance. Many within the industry fear that the new policy could set a precedent for reducing government engagement with print media, further exacerbating the financial struggles of the newspaper sector.