Integrity Pact (IP) is an important tool of preventive vigilance which is aimed at preventing corruption and ensuring integrity in public procurement. The Central Vigilance Commission is the nodal authority for the implementation of Integrity Pact in India. It addresses not only bribery, but also other corrupt practices such as collusion and bid-rigging. IP is a written agreement between the Government / Government Department / Government Company, etc and all the bidders agreeing to refrain themselves from bribery, collusion, etc. If the written agreement is violated, the pact describes the sanctions that shall apply. These include:-
- Loss or denial of contract
- Forfeiture of the bid or performance bond
- Liability for damages
- Exclusion from bidding on future contracts (debarment)
- Criminal or disciplinary action.
Integrity Pact has a monitoring system which provides for independent oversight. The Central Vigilance Commission nominates Independent External Monitors (IEMs) to monitor implementation of Integrity Pact.
Thus, IP in its present form has three players:
- The Principal or the Company / Department
- The Vendor
- The Independent External Monitor (IEM)
In order to ensure transparency, equity and competitiveness in public procurement, the Commission has been recommending adoption of Integrity Pact (IP) and implementation by Government organisations. CVC through its Office Order No.41/12/07 dated 04.12.2007 and No. 43/12/07dated 28.12.2007 as well as Circular and No.24/08/08 dated 05.08.2008, recommended adoption of Integrity Pact by all the organisations and provided basic guidelines for its implementation in respect of major procurements in Government Organisations. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was issued by the Commission vide Office Order No.10/5/09 dated 18.05.2009.