Distance-learning project 'not rigged'
THE OFFICE of Basic Education Commission (Obec) has dismissed an allegation that specifications for its distance-learning project favour specific suppliers.
“We have found that dozens of companies can supply 32-inch screens,” Obec secretary general Kamol Rodklai said yesterday.
He spoke in response to moves by the Good Governance Group to petition against two of the Obec’s projects.
One is the distance-learning project, which involves the procurement of TV sets for small schools, and the other is the CCTV Safe Zone School project, to be implemented in the three southernmost provinces.
The Good Governance Group claimed that by specifically choosing the 32-inch size, only two manufacturers will benefit.
Kamol has firmly dismissed the claim and insisted that TV-set procurements for the distance-learning project are now going ahead.
“Preparations are about 70 and 80 per cent complete,” he said, “Procurements can be made by October and the distance learning via TV sets at small schools will be able to start the following month.”
On the CCTV Safe Zone School project, Kamol said public hearings would be held and the project’s details could be adjusted until all sides were satisfied.
