Page 54 - Annual Report 2019

STREAMLINING

OF INVESTIGATIONS:

INNOVATIONS &

ADOPTION OF BEST

PRACTICES

DGTR takes pride in acknowledging the fact that framework, which are likely to increase the quality
2018-19 was the year of transformation, when it and efficiency of the output and eliminate discretion at
embraced many new best practices with an aim to various stages of investigations.
bring transparency, accountability, simplification,
and fairness in the investigations. All these changes Review Investigations
were based on the need of the organisation to evolve
with time. The Directorate was firm in its commitment 4. The practice of pre-initiation ‘Hearing’ was
and obligations and at the same time was resilient and initiated for all the review cases namely,
flexible in its procedures, practices and systems SSR/NSR/MTR at the stage of application. This
always with a goal of helping the industry and hearing is in addition to the existing ‘Oral Hearing’
addressing the unfair trade practices. This positive under Rule 6(6). The pre-initiation hearing allows the
outlook has been amply demonstrated by our efforts petitioner(s) to present their submissions before the
and steps implemented during the year: Authority in a more comprehensive way so that well
informed decision could be taken regarding initiation/
Manual of Operating Practices: Enhancing non-initiation of a review case. A Speaking Order is
Fairness and Transparency also issued in those cases where it is decided not to
initiate an investigation for any valid reason. This is
2. A sound set of procedural rules and uniform likely to promote transparency and fairness, and also
methodology is the key and an indispensable bring confidence in the stakeholders regarding the
component of any investigation process. Therefore, reasonableness in the DGTR actions. The aim was to
DGTR took a landmark initiative in its attempt foster consistency, predictability and fairness in
towards procedural fairness by publication of Manuals decision-making process.
of Operating Practices which was also made available
in public domain. It was with an eye to lay down the Disclosure of Information by Stakeholders
foundation for an effective, reliable and trustworthy
investigation. 5. Transparency of procedures and methodology is
ensured by disclosure of required necessary
3. The Manuals of Operating Practices for Trade information enabling stakeholders a fair opportunity
Remedies as well as Trade Defence were released by to actively participate in the investigation. This
Hon’ble Commerce Minister according importance necessitates that the stakeholders are given access to
and significance which it rightly deserves. The the submissions made by the other parties with an
publications were a result of a long and deep opportunity to offer their comments. Procedural
brainstorming exercise amongst the DGTR Officers fairness also includes the right to protect confidential
and peer review deliberations. The best practices have information, access to the public file containing the
been adopted and assimilated in the procedural necessary information being relied upon by the

DGTR | Annual Report 2018-19 | 46