Imphal, May 21: Following discovery of about 3000 SIM cards (prepaid) being given to a sub-franchisee in Thoubal district by one AGM (Operation) at BSNL Imphal without verification and illegally, BSNL has initiated a Departmental inquiry into the foul play.

Moreover it has also been found that the SIM cards issued without verification are being used in the North Eastern States outside Manipur.

A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that AGM K Karanth issued about 3000 prepaid SIM cards without verification to M/S Global Computers, a sub-franchisee of BSNL in Thoubal district.

It is also suspected that most of the SIM cards have been sold illegally.

Even as M/S Advance Multi-technology is the only outlet franchised by BSNL in Thoubal district, the BSNL officials failed to take any notice of the large number of SIM cards issued to the sub-franchisee, disclosed the source.

Enquiry into the incident has revealed that most the SIM cards are being used in Tripura, Mokokchung, Dimapur and Zunheboto.

On the other hand, the number of BSNL subscribers who have surrendered land line numbers have crossed 2000, added the source.

Slur on Vigilance : Asserting that the conduct of the State Vigilance Commission is not satisfactory, MLA Th Shyamkumar has alleged that the Commission is involved in rampant corruption.

Taking part in the deliberation on the annual report (2006-07) of the State Vigilance Commission, Shyamkumar remarked that the House needs to investigate the performance of the Commission.

He alleged that the igilance Commission set up to check corruption has been afflicted by corruption.

Asking whether it is permitted by law for the Chief Secretary to hold the post of Vigilance Commissioner, O Joy observed that the Commissioner of the Vigilance Commission should be made independent.

He noted that the Commission has been rendered meaningless as the State Government has repeatedly failed to act on the recommendations of the Commission.

Rather the State Government has been shielding corrupt and tainted employees against whom the Commission recommended action, he said.

It is crucial to punish wrong-doers while rewarding sincere and capable citizens in order to maintain good governance, Joy noted.

Taking part in the discussion, Chief Minister O Ibobi maintained that the Vigilance Commission has been functioning properly as an autonomous body.

He also disclosed that the State DGP has no power to initiate any action against the SP and other officials of the Commission.

So far, the Government has disposed off 125 different cases, informed Ibobi adding that the Education Department accounted for the largest number of fraud cases.

During 2006-07, 175 cases of fake appointment in Education Department (Schools) were unearthed by the Vigilance Commission accompanied by the recommendation to terminate their service, disclosed the Chief Minister while assuring that necessary steps will initiated to punish all the wrong-doers.

Comment