Govt Invites Bids to Appraise New Toshakhana Gifts

The Cabinet Division has announced plans to assess the value of newly received gifts at the Toshakhana and has invited bids from private evaluators to carry out the task. Interested evaluators have until August 29 to submit their bids via the e-PADs system, with the bids set to be opened the same day. The initiative aims to ensure accurate appraisals of a wide range of gifts housed in the state-owned Toshakhana, including jewellery, luxury watches, carpets, and other high-value items. According to the Cabinet Division, the government will sign a one-year contract with the successful evaluators, who will be compensated for each appraisal they conduct. Under the current rules, gifts stored in the Toshakhana are available for purchase exclusively by political officials, members of the civil and military bureaucracy, and judges of the higher judiciary. Any items that remain unpurchased are later auctioned to the general public.