The Hughes Ispat Connection

After the first round when successful bidders were announced, the Tata company was awarded the licence after evaluation of its financial bid, roll-out plan, village connectivty and use of indigenous technology (the four parameters with different weights for evaluating a bid). Hughes Ispat protested against this decision saying the methodology used was incorrect.

When the tender evaluation committee (of which Ghosh was a member) re-evaluated the bids, it reportedly stuck to its decision in favour of the Tatas. However, sources allege, Ghosh used a different methodology while awarding points to village connectivity plans of the companies, which was approved by Sukh Ram and Takkar. This helped Hughes Ispat score over Tata Teleservices.

Under this method, Hughes Ispat scored higher than Tata Teleservices and was provisionally awarded the contract.