PORVORIM: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has demanded an inquiry into the alleged scam in Goa BroadBand Network (GBBN) failing which he threatened to approach the judiciary for its intervention.
Speaking during a discussion to oppose the demands for grants for Information Technology, Sardesai recalled that Minister Rohan Khaunte, who was holding charge during the previous BJP government as well, had sought approval of the Council of Ministers, but the Chief Minister had approved the same after sacking Khaunte from the cabinet.
“This is a mega scam. I am sure the Minister knows this scam in and out. The GBBN contract with United Telecom Ltd expired in July 2019. In 10 years, the quality of the internet provided by M/s UTS through their network was unreliable. Before the expiry, Government should have been looking for a new vendor. Instead in 2019, the contract was extended by one year,” he alleged.
He further added, “Then the IT Minister, who is currently holding the same portfolio in his file notings had clearly put remarks seeking approval of the Council of Ministers. In a few days, he along with us was removed from the government. The Chief Minister then approved the file without taking it to cabinet. This is a major scam. I have the entire file under RTI, if you go through the notings wherein Finance Department raised queries even after CM approving it.”
Sardesai demanded an inquiry by a retired High Court Judge, failing which he threatened to approach the judiciary for its intervention.
“This entire tender is a scam. We want to know who is the Shah Jahan in this GBBN scam,” he said.
He further informed that in 2020, the Department claims that they need Rs 327 crore for implementation of BharatNet and that it would take 1 year and therefore once again the contract was extended by one year till July 2021. He said “Interestingly noting was put while extending the contract saying, ‘Till further arrangements are made to tender, this will be extended.”
