Sub-standard BSNL Lepo-SIMs distributed in Kalahandi

The Pioneer, Nov 21, 2009
Bikash Khemka | Bhawanipatna

The sub-distributors here have alleged supply of sub-standard Lepo-SIMs to them by the local BSNL office. The sub-distributors alleged that the SIMS were being sold at Rs 300 in the market by the distributor, whereas according to sources the actual cost is between Rs 100 to Rs 150.

Besides, they alleged that money-receipt for purchasing the Lepo-SIMs is not being issued to them. The SIMs are being sold without printing any maximum retail price (MRP).

Once the Lepo-SIM is damaged, it will not display anything on mobile phones. Re-issue of Lepo-SIMs having same number is not being provided to the sub-distributors as officials informed to the complainant that once it is damaged, another SIM has to be bought by the sub-distributors. One sub-distributor complained to The Pioneer that he had already purchased three Lepo-Sims within two months paying Rs 300 each.

The sub-distributors are also complaining about the shortage of balance in the Lepo-SIM where customers are returning back without recharging their mobile when distributor is unable to provide them sufficient balance in their mobile.

Repeated network failure is harassment for the customers in Kalahandi in which a customer is paying full call charges per minute with a few seconds of talk over the cell phone.

Sources alleged that some officials have misappropriated lakhs of rupees in the installation of BSNL hoardings where approximately Rs 60 lakh was allotted for marketing in 2008-09. Many truths can be revealed after conducting a probe in this regard.

It is also reported that the tender for data warehousing for the current financial year was already tendered to a Bhubaneswar based contractor. But afterwards the tender was cancelled allegedly by a local political leader’s interference. Re-tender has been called again in this regard. The enquiry for cancellation of tender and a call of re-tender can reveal many things in the office, the sources said.

While several times the scribe wanted to ascertain the facts from the telecom district manager (TDM), he gave many excuses and avoided meeting the scribe. Further when the scribe contacted the TDM over his cell-phone and office landline number he did not receive the calls. A high level inquiry can unearth many loopholes in the BSNL office here, said the locals.