Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) is a prestige project by Kerala government, implemented to provide internet facilities free of cost for the underprivileged and government offices. However, reports say that an audit report has revealed that tender norms were breached in its implementation and Chinese cables were used raising security concerns.
The report said that tender conditions of the project specifically mandate the use of Indian made equipments. This was not followed by the promoter Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL). The cables used were found to be Chinese origin, which has raised security concerns.
The KSITIL did not heed the concerns of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) too, which has 49% stake in the project, said the report.
The report also said that the quality of cables supplied by a Korea company LS Cable & System was also tested in China.
According to the report, the tender rules mandate that testing should be done in India. Contrary to this, the testing was done at National Centre Lab in Shanghai in China.
The auditor has now asked clarifications from KSITIL and the final report will be prepared after the response is received. KSITIL and KSEB have 49% share in the project.
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