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MNRE Warns Agencies Against Short Tender Timelines, Orders Strict Compliance with Procurement Rules

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a strong advisory to all central and state renewable energy agencies, directing them to strictly follow procurement rules and transparency norms. The warning comes after reports revealed that some agencies had floated tenders with very short bid submission periods, in some cases as little as seven days, potentially aimed at circumventing the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) requirement for solar cells.

MNRE emphasized that Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs), public sector undertakings (PSUs), and other government departments must fully comply with guidelines from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to maintain financial integrity and fair competition.

The ministry has instructed that any tenders issued with non-compliant or shortened timelines should be scrapped and reissued following the General Financial Rules (GFR) and CVC directives. Agencies have also been asked to submit reports within 15 days detailing the corrective actions taken.

This move underlines MNRE’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in renewable energy procurement, ensuring that all tenders uphold fair access for manufacturers listed under ALMM and align with India’s broader clean energy policy framework.