Nov 21, 2017 | Shanker Lal; 

India, November 13 - 24, 2017 - Following the huge positive feedback received from the First International Training on the New Procurement Framework, organized jointly by the World Bank and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow, the second International training on the New Procurement Framework was recently organized at Noida near New Delhi, in the second and third weeks of November, 2017. IIM, Lucknow is one of the most prestigious management institution of India, which is also hosting the first public procurement observatory (www.procurementobservatoryup.com) of South Asia. IIM, Lucknow is also involved in other capacity building, advisory and research work on procurement and is fast emerging as regional resource center for public procurement. 

The training session saw active participation from delegates from across the countries of Afghanistan, Myanmar and from host country India. The bulk of the audience, 27 out of 44, was from Afghanistan whose active participation and enthusiasm never fails to motivate any of the bank's initiative. Myanmar was whole heartedly represented by 4 delegates and the remaining from the host nation. A senior level official from procurement policy division, Government of India attended as Observer. Faculty was drawn from Bank (both Delhi and HQ), IIM-Lucknow as well as external experts.

Apart from covering the topics like Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD), Selection Methods and Standard Procurement Documents, sessions on allied topics like e-procurement, red flags in procurement, STEP and Contract Management were also included to make the training more interesting. Many cases studies were discussed during the training. 

To make the visit to India memorable, excursions were arranged during weekends for participants. While some participants choose to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal (about 200 km from training venue), rest enjoyed visiting monuments in Delhi or doing shopping in Malls and other markets.

Training Completion Certificates were distributed by Hisham A. Abdo Kahin, Operations Manager for World Bank, India.  

Overall, it was an interactive session, enjoyed and cherished both by the hosts and the guests. An ardent request, like last year, has been made for the third training session.