The Ministry of Power, Government of India, has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the empanelment of Independent Experts. These experts will be part of the Conciliation Committees for resolving disputes in contractual matters related to projects implemented by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and statutory bodies under the Ministry. This mechanism was initially notified on December 29, 2021, and later expanded through amendments in 2022 and 2023. The objective behind this initiative is to address the increasing delays in project completion due to unresolved contractual disputes, which often lead to higher legal costs, diverted resources, and financial strain for contractors. Traditional dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and Dispute Resolution Boards are time-consuming and less effective for fast resolution.
The government identified the need for a structured and quicker dispute resolution method, which resulted in the formulation of Conciliation Committees of Independent Experts (CCIEs). Each CCIE will consist of three members, including at least one sector expert with strong domain knowledge in project development and operations and maintenance of power projects. Other members can include former senior government officers and finance experts with experience in financial institutions. These experts are expected to have a high level of integrity and a proven track record.
The tenure for empaneled experts will initially be three years, extendable up to five years. One of the key eligibility conditions is that the members should not have any conflict of interest. They must not have provided any services to either of the disputing parties—developers or contractors—within the past five years. Selected individuals must also submit an undertaking confirming this.
The conciliation mechanism is designed to be different from arbitration. It is not meant to follow legal formalities like submission of detailed claims or hiring lawyers for representation. Instead, the focus is on mutual understanding, give-and-take, and compromise, aimed at resolving disputes amicably and efficiently. This initiative reflects the Ministry’s effort to enhance project execution timelines and reduce the burden of legal proceedings on the public and private sector stakeholders involved.
The Ministry has requested all State Governments, Union Territories, central authorities, and public sector organizations under its control to publicize the notification widely to ensure that maximum eligible experts can participate. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have also been asked to circulate the invitation among their respective institutions and PSUs. The notification has also been uploaded on the homepage of the Ministry of Power’s website for at least 30 days to ensure visibility.
This initiative is part of a broader attempt by the government to streamline project delivery in the power sector by minimizing delays and legal hurdles, encouraging faster execution, and enabling better financial health for all parties involved.
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