BSNL publicity work under CBI lens for alleged foul play

The CBI is probing alleged irregularities in advertisement work worth crores carried out through ineligible firms by public sector telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Official sources said the move came following complaints received by the Central Vigilance Commission alleging wrongdoings in handling marketing and advertisement related work in the BSNL.

They said the irregularities included unauthorised appointment of a part-time Director in the BSNL and assigning advertisement related job to a non-empaneled and ineligible agency. Considering the seriousness of the complaints, the Commission forwarded the matter to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for necessary action.

The CVC conducted a probe after receiving DoT's report in this regard. "There were several instances of criminal conspiracy and substantiated acts of commission and omission by certain BSNL officials. Hence, the Commission decided to refer this case to CBI for detailed investigation," a CVC official said.

"The BSNL gives advertisement contract worth several crores to various companies. The matter is of grave importance and needed to be probed further. CBI has initiated its investigation," he said. The official added that several public relations agencies are empaneled in the DoT for advertisement and brand management. He declined to give details of the actual amounts involved, names of the officials and the role of outdoor agencies.