India, Nov. 4 -- The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued fresh arbitration guidelines under which lapses by erring officers will be identified and responsibility fixed, in any projects where cost escalates, according to the standard operating procedure.
Earlier this year, the department removed the arbitration clause from its contracts and tenders, which means in case of any dispute between the PWD and a private contractor, the matter will be dealt with only in the courts. However, it continues to deal with claims arising from old agreements.
"In all arbitration cases where awards of the arbitrator go against the department, detailed reasons and lapses, if any, on the part of concerned officials due to which the awards have gone agai...