The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), security deposit, bank guarantee, and all other deposits for civic work bids must be obtained online mandatorily, to ensure greater transparency and fairness  in public procurement across urban local bodies (ULBs), directed Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department (MAWS).

In an official communication dated May 25, 2026, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, MAWS Department, guided the Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner, the Director of Municipal Administration, and the Director of Town Panchayats to make the appropriate changes. The department instructed all tender-inviting authorities to strictly adhere to the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act, 1998, and the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Rules, 2000.

The communication said tender conditions should not insist on site certificates or machinery availability certificates from ULB engineers as qualifying criteria, as such requirements could lead to misuse by revealing bidder identities before the bidding stage. Instead, bidders could be asked to furnish self-certification regarding site visits and machinery availability.

Approvals should be granted within stipulated timelines, fees should be paid online, and applicants or architects should not be required to appear in person for queries. The instructions are to be followed by all Corporations, Municipalities and Town Panchayats, the direction said.