THREE-TIER QUALITY MONITORING MECHANISM

The projects under the scheme will be subject to Quality Monitoring Mechanism. The details of the Three Tier Quality Control Mechanism are as under :-

1.  First Tier
   
   Project implementing agency (PIA) would be responsible for the first tier of the Quality Control Structure. Further PIA will engage third party inspection agency, whose responsibility will be to ensure that all the materials to be utilized and the workmanship confirm to the prescribed specifications. It will be synchronized with phased release of funds under RGGVY and inspection and proof of corrective action will be mandatory requirement for release of funds. This inspection will cover approx. 50% villages on random sample basis for each project and 10% pre-despatch inspections of major materials.
   
   

2. Second Tier
   
   

   Rural Electrification Corporation, will get the inspection done of the works/materials from its non-field staff and by outsourcing it. REC may outsource it to retired employees of State Electricity Boards/State Utilities/ CPSUs. All such reports should be organized and analyzed by REC through the project implementation. These individuals would be designated as REC Quality Monitors (RQM).
   
   The inspection will cover quality checks at pre-shipment stage at the vendors' outlet of major materials and 10% villages on random sample basis.

3. Third Tier
   
   

1. Independent Evaluators (Individuals /Agency) will be engaged by the Ministry of Power for evaluation, at random, of supply and erection under the programme. These persons would be designated as National Quality Monitors (NQM). It will be the responsibility of the state to facilitate the inspection of works by the NQM, who shall be given free access to all administrative, technical and financial records. Evaluation will cover 1% villages. They shall also report on the general functioning of the Quality Control mechanism in the District.
   
   

2. The Monitors shall submit their report to the Ministry. The reports of the NQMs will be sent by REC to the RQM for appropriate action within a period to be specified. In case quality check by RQM or NQM reveals 'unsatisfactory' work, the implementing agency shall ensure that the contractor replace the material or rectifies the workmanship (as the case may be) within the time period stipulated. In respect of NQM Reports, the REC Quality Coordinator shall, each month, report on the action taken on each of the pending Reports. All works rated 'unsatisfactory' shall be re-inspected by RQM or NQM after a rectification report has been received from the REC Quality Coordinator. REC will designate an Executive Director as in-charge of the Monitoring system.
   
   

3. Recurrent adverse reports about quality of works in a given District / State might entail suspension of the Programme in that area till the underlying causes of defective work have been addressed.
   
   

4. The REC Quality Coordinator / Third party inspection unit shall be the authority to receive and inquire into complaints / representations in respect of quality of works and they would be responsible for sending a reply after proper investigation to the complainant within 30 days. The REC for this purpose, shall ensure the following:-

1. The name, address and other details of the REC Quality Coordinator / third party inspection unit will be given adequate publicity in the State (including tender notices, websites, etc.) as the authority empowered to receive complaints.

2. All complaints shall be acknowledged on receipt (giving registration no.) and likely date of reply shall be indicated. On receipt of the report, the complainant shall be informed of the outcome and the action taken / proposed.

3. Complaints received through the Ministry of Power, REC will normally be sent to the REC Quality Coordinator for enquiry and necessary action. In case report from an RQM is desired, this shall be furnished within the time specified. In case an adequate response is not received within the stated time schedule, the REC may depute an NQM and further processing will be done only on the basis of NQM report.

4. The RQC shall make a monthly report to the REC (in a prescribed format) and the status of action on complaints shall be discussed in the District Committees.

5. REC could develop a web site for complaints, inspection and rectification.

5. The Quality Control Mechanism would be governed by the Quality Control Manual prepared by REC for the scheme.