BSNL CDR Billing Scam

In 2008, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) awarded contracts for CDR (Call Data Records) based billing systems for its fixed lines, to TCS and HCL, two zones each. The selection was done through an open tender. After the expiry of free warranty period, they were required to provide AMC and O&M services on payment basis. BSNL paid them Rs 48 crore (about Rs 24 crore to each company) per year. The AMC and O&M services contract expired in May 2017.

At least a year before (i.e. 2016), BSNL should have started the tender process. However, BSNL did not invite fresh bids and instead extended the AMC and O&M contracts from time to time on nomination basis.