Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 13:
While it is an unofficially accepted fact that no file can be processed in the Treasury Department until and unless palms of department officials concerned, to be precise, the clerical staff, are greased, the unofficial acceptance was officially recognised today.
The official status of such underhand dealings was 'declared' today when two Dealing Clerks of the Sub-Treasury Office, Old Lambulane demanded their cut of the share when personnel from the CID Crime Branch and Special Branch (SB) came to collect documents for 13 months pay.
The share demanded was in the range of Rs 400-500 from the CID and SB personnel for processing pay bills through four tables (persons).
Even though other harried employees would have willingly complied with the 'practiced norm' during passing/drawing of monetary documents, the CID/SB personnel are said to have turned down the 'soft demand', according to eye witness' accounts.
As the face-off ensued, some CID department officials arrived at around 1 pm and put the matter to the Sub-Treasury Officer N Sujata where also a verbal duel persisted.
When media-persons reached the office and enquired about the matter, the Sub-Treasury Officer summoned the Dealing Assistants and the two confessed to have asked for 'some generous tips' from the CID/SB personnel as the pay bill is not an 'ordinary' one.
The Sub-Treasury Officer instantly announced removal - O Sorojini Devi and Kh Kunjabati Devi - from their current assignment and informed of reporting the matter to the Treasury Director for necessary action.
When queried, Principal Secretary (Finance) RC Mishra describing the matter as very serious said inquiry has been ordered.
The report is to be submitted by tomorrow, he added.