An audit uncovered an irregularity of Rs. 138 million in NITB’s software purchase.
The National Information Technology Board (NITB), a division of the Ministry of IT and Telecom, procured Oracle software with irregularities.
The National Information Technology Board (NITB) breached the laws and regulations in the acquisition of Oracle software, according to the audit report 2021-22.
The NITB paid the vendor party before testing and installing the software, and the payment before delivery and installation was irregular and unlawful.
According to the report, the NITB management paid Rs. 138,547,500 for Oracle Software for the fiscal year 2021-22.
The audit discovered that the supply order was issued on June 07, 2021, and management paid Rs. 138.548 million one day later, on June 08, 2021. This demonstrated that payment was done without software installation and testing.
According to the audit, the vendor is required by law to execute software installation at locations no later than four weeks before the delivery date.
After completing the installation and setup of the software at the locations, the seller must tell the purchaser in writing that the programme is ready for testing, and the seller is required to run the software in front of the purchaser’s representatives.
The study claims that not all of these processes were followed when acquiring the Oracle software. According to the audit, the payment prior to the sale and installation of software was irregular and unlawful.
The audit report also suggested that individuals responsible be identified via an investigation.
NITB was questioned regarding their answer to this audit para, but no response was received until the report was filed.
