DPIIT asks telecom dept, BSNL to hold Rs 9,000 cr worth tender following allegations of anomalies

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has asked the telecom department and state-owned BSNL to put on hold the tender for setting up 4G network, valued at Rs 9,000 crore, after allegations emerged that the tender favoured foreign companies.

The tender was floated by BSNL in March under the new management for setting up a 4G network. This was the first tender issued by the telecom PSU after the government announced Rs 68,751 crore relief package for BSNL and MTNL in October 2019.

TEPC, the government body for the promotion of domestic telecom products, equipment and services, has filed a complaint against BSNL with the Department of Telecom (DoT) and DPIIT alleging that the tender violates norms for procurement and favours foreign companies.