eversvd,+4 (14)

Indian public procurement contributes almost 30% of the total GDP, with many large projects heavily funded by taxpayers. This financial significance underscores the importance of addressing discrepancies within this system, particularly regarding malpractices that can hinder overall performance. One notable anomaly is the unbalanced bid, which entails manipulating project costs to diverge from the Engineer’s Estimate, presenting ethical challenges. The study aims to devise a model for detecting and preventing unbalanced bids, thereby respecting the constraints inherent in India's public procurement process. The model seeks to enhance project performance while safeguarding taxpayers' money. Through a comprehensive analysis of the unbalanced bidding practices—including types such as Quantity Error Exploitation and Collusive bids—the research highlights how these practices disrupt procurement integrity. By proposing systematic strategies for identification and mitigation, the study contributes to establishing a more transparent and efficient procurement framework in India. The findings have implications for policymakers and stakeholders in promoting ethical bidding practices within the public sector.