The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), also called Akhtiyar, has filed a corruption case against 20 individuals and companies on the charges of irregularities over the purchase of the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS).
The move follows heavy scrutiny and skepticism into the procurement of the MDMS implemented by the regulator Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). In a stunning development, the charges have been registered against high-profile figures and 2 companies. According to Dhan Bahadur Karki, the spokesman of the Special Court, CIAA has indicted the former NTA chairmen Digambar Jha and Purushottam Khanal. The name list also includes the former senior director Ananda Raj Khanal, incumbent directors Dipesh Acharya, and Surendra Hada, and deputy director of frequency, service quality, and service flow monitoring branch, Achyutanand Mishra. Similarly, CIAA has also indicted senior figures from companies such as Namaste Global Singapore, and OSI Digital India for the same.
MDMS corruption: CIAA files a case against 20 including former NTA chairmen
The move follows heavy scrutiny of the procurement of mobile security systems by the regulator Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). In a stunning development, the charges have been filed against high-ranking individuals and members of the companies who were instrumental in the purchase of MDMS.
After a series of setbacks, MDMS finally came into implementation on Kartik 20, 2080. The mobile regulatory system mandates that every phone imported into Nepal must be registered. The end goal is to curb the grey phone market and regulate the mobile devices operating inside Nepal. The government had initially announced the launch of MDMS in FY 2071/72. It could only get a concrete start in 2075. An investigation committee formed by the communication ministry MoCIT had deemed Nta’s MDMS bylaw controversial. The committee held that the MDMS project should have been completed within 6 months and raised suspicion of corruption over its delay.
Must read: NTA to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Nepal
What now of MDMS?
Since the beginning, the mega project of MDMS has witnessed delays, suspicions, and controversies. However, it finally saw the light of the day from Kartik in 2080 with its launch. Still, there is heresy about its ability to function at full capacity. But with CIAA taking the matters to the Court, its entire future is in question. As for the defendants, the Special Court will now proceed with its own judicial proceedings to make the final verdict.
Likewise, the individuals who are made defendants won’t be able to serve at NTA in their posts. That strikes a big blow to NTA chairman Bhupendra Bhandari who is now without prominent figures at the authority.
The former NTA chairman Purushottam Khanal stepped down from the post of the chairman for the same MDMS controversy. It’s also noteworthy that CIAA is also investigating any possible irregularities in the TERAMOCS purchase deal which is another mega project of NTA.
While projects can be controversial, this time, the authority itself is at the receiving end. What do you think of this development? Do you think it worsens the challenging environment Nepal’s telecom companies are facing? Do offer your input in the comment box below.
