Gujarat BharatNet program faces controversy over high turnover clause
What happened
The Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited, a special purpose vehicle, is facing controversy over the Amended BharatNet Program. The Request for Proposals mandates that sole bidders must have a minimum audited average annual financial turnover of ₹4,700-crore over the last three financial years. This clause restricts market entry for domestic firms, which have contested the condition. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, acting as the Project Management Consultant, cautioned against this excessive turnover filter in a letter dated September 21, 2026.
From indiatimes.com
Why it matters
Industry executives argue that the SPV's requirement violates guidelines issued by the Government of India. The high entry barrier directly contradicts the instructions provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited. This situation impacts the ₹5,700-crore Gujarat BharatNet program.
State procurement policy in Gujarat is guiding market operations.
From indiatimes.com
Who's involved
- GujaratThe state where the Gujarat BharatNet program is being implemented.
- Government of IndiaThe authority whose guidelines are allegedly violated by the state SPV.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- GujaratSpeculative
Domestic firms might face reduced sales opportunities in the Gujarat BharatNet program due to the high turnover requirement.
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The entities involved
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Gujarat
state of India