Questions have emerged over a manpower supply tender issued by the Directorate of Elementary Education, Tripura, after the inclusion of a Rs 2 crore turnover eligibility criterion for providing security guards and sweeping-cleaning staff. Critics allege the condition may limit competition and favour a select group of outside agencies.
A tender floated by the Directorate of Elementary Education, Tripura, for the engagement of an agency to provide security guards and sweeping-cleaning personnel has come under scrutiny after questions were raised regarding the eligibility criteria prescribed for participating bidders.
The tender notice, issued on May 29, 2026, invited bids through the state government’s e-procurement portal for the selection of an agency to supply manpower services to offices under the Directorate of Elementary Education. Interested agencies have been asked to submit their bids by June 16.
According to the tender documents, participating agencies must possess a valid licence under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act and should have prior experience in providing similar manpower services to government departments, public sector undertakings, or other recognized institutions. In addition, bidders are required to submit at least three satisfactory performance certificates from previous clients as proof of their service record.
However, the eligibility conditions have attracted criticism due to a financial requirement mandating that participating agencies must have achieved an average annual turnover of Rs 2 crore in any three of the last five financial years. The tender also requires bidders to furnish audited financial statements, income tax returns, and turnover certificates to establish their financial credentials.
Individuals familiar with the matter have questioned whether such a turnover benchmark is proportionate to the scale and value of the contract. According to sources, the estimated annual expenditure associated with the manpower services contract is significantly lower than the prescribed turnover threshold.
Critics argue that the requirement could potentially restrict competition by excluding smaller and medium-sized agencies, including local firms that may otherwise possess the experience and capability to execute the work. They contend that a high turnover condition may narrow the pool of eligible participants and reduce opportunities for regional service providers.
One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that the tender framework appears to favour a limited number of agencies capable of meeting the stringent financial criteria.
“The total annual value of the work would be barely around seven lakh rupees. Yet an agency must demonstrate a turnover of Rs 2 crore to qualify. The entire structure of the tender creates an impression that only a select few agencies, particularly those from outside the state, may be able to participate effectively in the bidding process,” the source claimed.
The source further expressed concern that the conditions could discourage wider participation and reduce competitive bidding, a factor often considered important for ensuring transparency and value in public procurement.
As discussions continue over the issue, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the tender process. Officials from the Directorate of Elementary Education have not publicly commented on the concerns raised regarding the eligibility criteria. The bidding process remains open, with interested agencies scheduled to submit their proposals before the June 16 deadline.
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The development has sparked debate within administrative and business circles about balancing financial credibility requirements with the need to encourage fair and open competition in government procurement processes.
