Karnataka Information Commission wants 17 of its newly supplied computers to be replaced

The Karnataka Information Commission is now in loggerheads with the State-owned Karnataka State Electronic Development Corporation (KEONICS) over supply of computers that have “not matched specifications”, and has sought replacement of 17 of them.

The Karnataka Information Commission had sought “all-in-one” computers and desktops, and it is learnt that ₹30.15 lakh was paid for the same.

However, after the supply, the commission has accused KEONICS of supplying lower quality computers that do not match the specifications prescribed by the Union government.

“As per the order of the Union government, money had been paid for high quality hybrid model VC systems. However, it has been found that 17 computers that do not match the prescribed quality and that do not adhere to the specifications in the work orders have been supplied,” the commission has said in a communication addressed to the managing director of KEONICS.

Commission sources said that one of the important specifications to have cameras, which, however, are not in the 17 computers supplied. “The commission hears cases online. Without cameras, how can the cases be heard online? We need replacement of the computers with those that adhere to the specifications,” sources said.

Last week, an inspection found that five “all-in-one” computers and 11 desktops were as per supply order, while 17 “all-in-one” computers did not meet the supply order conditions, sources said, adding that the supply order to KEONICS had been given by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

Meanwhile, Raghunandan Murthy, MD of KEONICS, said that he had not received any communication from the commission. He said that the procurement would be based on the specification given by the Information Commission.

“If we do not have the specification that is sought, we ask them to give the specification based on which tender will be floated. We do not tell them what to procure. We have also written to them,” he said.