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Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Anti-competitive practices in power sector: CCP raids on offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders
ISLAMABAD: In a major enforcement action to curb anti-competitive practices in the power sector, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) conducted simultaneous raids on the offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders for the supply of transformer reclamation material to power distribution companies (DISCOs). The coordinated raids were carried out by CCP's authorised officers in Lahore and Gujranwala, targeting suppliers who are alleged to have colluded in manipulating the bidding process. These companies were found to be quoting identical prices and engaging in tender rotation — a classic hallmark of cartel behaviour. The action follows a formal complaint lodged by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which observed suspicious bidding patterns in recent procurement cycles. LESCO reported that multiple firms submitted bids with identical rates for various items, raising red flags regarding possible collusion. In response, the CCP initiated a formal enquiry under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits agreements that restrict competition, including bid rigging under Section 4(2)(e). A preliminary analysis of the bidding data revealed that certain companies appeared to be coordinating their bids to ensure pre-determined outcomes in tender awards. In some cases, these suppliers were found rotating their wins while maintaining price parity, thereby undermining the competitive tendering process and harming public procurement efficiency. This is not the first time CCP has uncovered such practices in the transformer materials market. In 2020, the Commission concluded a similar enquiry involving bid rigging by multiple vendors supplying transformer bushings and reclamation items to DISCOs, including LESCO, MEPCO, and GEPCO. In that case, CCP found collusion among at least five firms, and imposed significant penalties. The recurrence of such practices underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the public procurement mechanisms of the power sector and the need for stronger oversight by procuring agencies. If the ongoing investigation confirms collusive conduct, the Commission is empowered to issue show-cause notices to the implicated firms and proceed with hearings. Upon establishing contravention, CCP may impose penalties of up to 10% of annual turnover or PKR 75 million, whichever is higher. In addition, the Commission can recommend structural or behavioural remedies to prevent recurrence and restore market integrity. The CCP has urged the public, including procurement officers, business insiders, and concerned citizens, to come forward with credible information about cartelization or bid rigging. The Commission's Whistleblower Reward Scheme offers cash rewards ranging from PKR 200,000 to PKR 2 million, based on the quality and value of the information provided. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CCP raids transformer material suppliers over suspected bid rigging
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) team has raided the offices of four suppliers involved in the provision of transformer reclamation materials to various power distribution companies (DISCOs). The raids were carried out simultaneously in Lahore and Gujranwala. These companies are suspected of being part of a cartel that manipulated bidding processes for transformer-related tenders. The CCP launched the raids as part of an ongoing enquiry into bid rigging practices in DISCO procurement. The enquiry was initiated after Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) raised concerns with the CCP regarding identical bids submitted by various suppliers. A review of bidding data revealed that the companies often quoted identical prices and appeared to rotate tenders among themselves. CCP imposes Rs1 billion in penalties on cartels, deceptive advertisers during FY2024-25 Such practices fall under Section 4(2)(e) of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits collusion in tendering. Bid rigging not only distorts fair competition but also causes significant financial losses to the public exchequer. If the ongoing enquiry confirms any form of collusion, the CCP will issue show-cause notices to the companies involved. The CCP has also urged the public to report any such anti-competitive behaviour. Whistleblowers may be eligible for cash rewards ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs2,000,000, depending on the value and verifiability of the information provided.
News18
4 days ago
- General
- News18
Odisha: Fail System Introduced For Class 5, 8 Students, What This Means?
Last Updated: As per the rule, if a child fails the examination, they will be given the opportunity for a re-examination within two months from the result declaration date. The Odisha government has implemented a fail system for the Class 5 and 8 annual examinations starting from the current academic year, according to an official notification. To enforce this decision, the government made necessary amendments to the Odisha Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010, on Wednesday, reported PTI. As stated by a notification from the School and Mass Education Department, regular examinations for Class 5 and 8 will be conducted at the end of each academic year. If a child fails the examination, they will receive additional instruction and be given the opportunity for a re-examination within two months from the result declaration date. 'If the child appearing in the re-examination…..fails to fulfil the promotion criteria again, he/she shall be held back in fifth class or eighth class, as the case may be," said the notification. However, no child will be expelled from any school before completing their elementary education, the order added. In December last year, the Government of India amended the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2010 (RTE Act 2010). The amendments permit states to conduct regular exams for Class 5 and 8 students and retain them if they fail. These changes follow five years after the RTE Act was amended in 2019. To successfully pass the Odisha Board exams, students must achieve a minimum of 33 per cent marks in each subject as well as overall. Students who fail to achieve the minimum passing marks can appear for the compartment exams. Meanwhile, a total of 94.93 per cent of the students have cleared the class 10 exams this time. The pass percentage among girls was 96 per cent and among boys, it was 94 per cent. On the other hand, a total of 82.77 per cent of the students cleared the exam class 12 this time. A total of 77.88 per cent of boys and 87.24 per cent girls passed the exam. view comments First Published: July 10, 2025, 07:34 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- New Straits Times
PDPA breach: Student data misuse could lead to jail, hefty fine
KUALA LUMPUR: Many private higher education institutions have been found sending marketing materials without first obtaining permission from students or their parents, breaching personal data laws. Personal Data Protection Department (JPDP) principal assistant director Mohamad Azrul Azmisaid such actions violate the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2010, which requires clear consent before personal data can be used or processed. Disclosing personal information such as phone numbers without consent can result in a fine of up to RM1 million or a three-year jail term, Kosmo! reported. "This clearly violates the first principle of the PDPA, which requires consent from the data owner before any use or processing of their personal data. "For instance, if a private higher education institution sends promotional offers via WhatsApp without permission, that already breaches the core principle of the PDPA. "Such offences may implicate not just the institution, but also third parties that supplied the data," he said. Azrul said if student data was obtained through a third party such as a data broker company, both parties could face prosecution. "Legal action will be taken if individuals or organisations continue to harass recipients after being warned. "However, if the sender persists, individuals may lodge an official complaint with JPDP accompanied by supporting evidence such as screenshots," he said. He added that many parents and students who receive unsolicited offers to further their studies are unaware they can file a direct complaint with JPDP. "The complaints process begins with lodging a report directly with the sender. "If the harassment continues after a warning, the complaint can be escalated to JPDP, which will then issue a Section 43 Notice," he said. The public may submit complaints to JPDP through its website at if their personal data has been misused. Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam Faculty of Information Science associate professor Dr Muhamad Khairulnizam Zaini said several key factors often lead to data leaks. He said although every case requires specific investigation, breaches are commonly caused by two main factors: unauthorised access and weaknesses in system security. "Leaks can occur when someone without permission infiltrates a system and accesses confidential data, whether from inside or outside the organisation," he said. According to Kosmo!, many private higher education institutions have been using the personal data of SPM leavers to send unsolicited offers of admission, raising concerns over data privacy violations.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Household appliances sector: Tribunal upholds CCP's order against price fixing
ISLAMABAD: The Competition Appellate Tribunal has upheld the order of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) against leading electronic home appliances brands for engaging in Resale Price Maintenance (RPM), a prohibited form of price fixing under the Competition Act, 2010. While maintaining the findings of contravention, the Tribunal reduced the monetary penalty imposed by the CCP to the tune of 90 million, directing the companies to deposit the amount within 30 days. The CCP had earlier imposed penalties on the companies after concluding that both the companies in the home appliances sector had engaged in anti-competitive conduct by restricting their dealers from selling products below specific prices, offering discounts, or providing package deals. In their defense before the Tribunal, the companies did not challenge the finding of contravention but argued that the penalty imposed was high. The Tribunal noted that the appellants demonstrated remedial actions by reimbursing to the dealers the amounts which were imposed by the companies under their price fixing policy. They also assured strict future compliance with the Competition Act. Taking the mitigating factors into account – particularly cooperative stance and restitution to affected parties – the Tribunal reduced the penalties imposed on both companies. The Tribunal also noted the companies' commitment to lawful business practices going forward. The CCP urges all undertakings to refrain from all forms of price fixing, including the setting of minimum or maximum resale prices and imposing restrictions on discounts or promotional offers, as such practices constitute serious violations of competition law. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
