Fiber optic cable: NITI Aayog member opposes government tender, accused of keeping Indian companies away

NITI Aayog member and top scientist VK Saraswat is opposing the government tender for the Rs 1,072 crore optic fiber project between Kochi to Lakshadweep (KLI). Saraswat alleges that the tender document has been deliberately prepared in such a way that Indian companies cannot participate in it. According to Saraswat, this could have an impact on security, as well as question the reliability. Not only this, but its cost can also be high.

Challenge has given in Delhi High Court

The tender has been challenged in the Delhi High Court by lobby group Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA) through a message sent to the Telecom Ministry in April, reports the Times of India.

Strategic and National Importance of Connectivity

Connectivity between Mainland and Lakshadweep is of strategic and national importance. Therefore the network being built should be reliable, secure, indigenous, and cost-effective.

BSNL should ban the tender

Saraswat, former chief of the country's leading defense research agency DRDO, said that BSNL should stop this tender until necessary changes are made for the participation of Indian companies. It is known that 1,772 km of submarine cable is to be laid between Kochi and 11 islands of Lakshadweep.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced

On 15 August 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that there is a plan to provide 100 Gbps speed bandwidth to promote e-governance, mobile services, and e-commerce. Through this, mobile service will be improved in these areas away from the mainland.