The Ministry of National Education, Preschool Education, and Sports has implemented stringent oversight measures to ensure transparency in the management of public contracts. The ministry affirmed its commitment to taking strict action against any potential violations, through legal measures that may include contract termination or temporary or permanent exclusion of contractors from bids, extending to judicial follow-up when necessary.
In response to a written question from MP Idris Sentisi of the Movement Group in the House of Representatives, the ministry clarified that its General Inspectorate plays a pivotal role in this system, based on Decree No. 2.11.112, which defines its responsibilities for monitoring compliance with legislative and regulatory texts and the proper management of public funds through audits covering all stages of contracts, from preparation to execution. The Inspectorate also investigates complaints and grievances, monitors cases of conflict of interest, and reports to the minister for necessary action.
These measures bolster the provisions of Decree No. 2.22.431 concerning public contracts, particularly Article 159, which mandates rigorous scrutiny of contracts exceeding three million dirhams. In this context, an annual program is prepared that includes inspections of regional academies and provincial directorates, alongside exceptional interventions based on citizen complaints or reports from other oversight bodies, with detailed reports submitted to the minister including findings and recommendations.
The ministry emphasized that identifying irregularities during inspections triggers the enforcement of strict regulatory procedures, as stipulated in the General Administrative Conditions for Works Contracts, which include directives and warnings, execution of works at the expense of the violating contractor, and contract cancellation if warranted. Article 152 of the same decree mandates the necessary actions to halt violations that impede the realization of contracts according to their objectives.
According to the same source, the oversight mechanism is further completed by the possibility of resorting to the judiciary, where the competent minister may, under Article 109 of the Financial Courts Code, refer inspection reports to the Court of Auditors in the presence of indications of serious financial violations, linking internal administrative oversight with higher judicial accountability to ensure sound governance.
