The BSNL board last week decided to scrap the controversial 93-million line GSM tender after the Central Vigilance Commission and the Sam Pitroda committee recommended it. But seemingly, the department of telecommunications (DoT) was not in favour of the decision.

What else explains the decision of DoT secretary PJ Thomas, who has sought written explanations from the two government nominees on the BSNL board for opposing the tender? Joint secretary JS Deepak and deputy director-general PK Mittal had submitted a dissent note at the BSNL board meeting in December, stating that the tender should not be awarded as the capacity was inflated and the price ?exorbitant?.

Interestingly, Thomas himself as a member of the Pitroda committee recommended for the scrapping of the tender. Could this be a case of the secretary pleasing telecom minister A Raja who had vigorously batted for the tender?

In a letter to the concerned officers, a copy of which is with FE, the secretary has sought to know: ?It may be clarified as to why the note had to be submitted in the board meeting when all the issues raised therein could have been discussed and a proper decision taken?if ever such a step was required the approval of the competent authority for such a note should have been taken.?

In another letter, the secretary has noted, ?Yourself and the other government nominee director have written identical letters, which are not as per the department?s approved stand and are at variance with the views of the department.? Thomas could not be contacted for his comments on why he was seeking explanation from the officials when he himself was party to the decision to scrap the tender as part of the Pitroda committee. Despite repeated calls his office said he was busy in a meeting while his mobile phone was switched off.

FE was the first to report in its edition dated December 25 regarding the dissent note submitted by the two officials. Later, CVC ordered an enquiry into the alleged irregularities and ordered its scrapping.

Interestingly, DoT transferred one of the officials, Mittal, out of the department a few weeks later.