All the tenders of local bodies in Punjab will go online from September 1, to reduce the unnecessary paper work and save time.

Announcing this here today, Industries and Commerce Minister Local Government Manoranjan Kalia said e-tendering is being introduced to bring transparency in tendering process.

"e-tendering system will be implemented for various types of contracts for developmental works, procurements of goods and services in the department of local government to obtain most-competitive and suitable bids from bidders," he said.

e-tendering will shorten the procurement cycle, ensure ease of operation for organisation and to vendors as well without compromising on required procedures, Kalia said.

He said this automation would drastically reduce use of paper work and will bring down expenditure incurred on publication of large size tender notices.

"Most important aspect is that contractors are no more required to come to office for tendering process. Tender documents would be available for sale online and would also be received online," he said.

To make the task easier, Punjab Infotech has been roped in to provide facilitation services through partnership with ITI Ltd, which is a Central government organisation.

E-tendering would be made effective in all municipal corporations and Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board immediately.

Kalia said that all tenders amounting above Rs 10 lakh would be available online on the portal from September 1, 2010.