CSOs petition Guv to probe MSPCL graft case
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 04 2025:
A coalition of 16 civil society organisations has urged the Governor of Manipur to initiate an immediate high-level inquiry into serious corruption allegations against Ng Subhachandra Singh, managing director Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL).
The groups on Friday submitted a memorandum following report published in a state daily on March 29, 2025 alleging that the MSPCL MD took bribe money in the range of Rs 1.3 lakh to Rs 22 lakh from around 250 staff in exchange for promotion and salary increment.
According to the memorandum, nearly 280 employees were promoted under questionable circumstances.
While the staff members were ostensibly eligible for promotion under existing guidelines, the managing director allegedly exploited discretionary powers to delay or grant promotions, effectively coercing employees into paying bribes, said the memorandum, further claiming that 227 watch-man-cum-cleaning assistants and 18 computer operators received salary increments.
"We have conducted a physical inspection and inquiry into the matter and found that the corruption charges against the said managing director are supported by substantial evidences.
Since these allegations are true; they represent a grave abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust," the memorandum reads.
In light of the gravity of the accusations, the CSOs called for the immediate suspension of Subhachandra Singh and any other implicated officials to prevent interference with the investigation.
They further stressed that accountability is essential to restoring faith in public administration, particularly during the ongoing period of President's Rule in the state.
The organisations then requested the Governor's office take up appropriate action within ten days of receiving the memorandum, adding, "The people of Manipur deserve transparency, fairness, and accountability from those in power".
The signatory organisations of the memorandum included All India Tanzeem-E Insaaf-Manipur, All Manipur Democratic Students' Organisation, All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation, Apunba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak, Committee of Peaceful Coexistence, Manipur, Federal Students' Organisation, Kangleipak, Federation of Indigenous People's Democratic Movement, Imagi Meira, Kanglei People Against Narcotics & Psychotropic Substances, Manipur International Youth Centre, Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union, Minorities Students' Association, Nupi Union For Peace and Integrity, United Meitei Pangal Committee, Yelhoumee Phurup, and Youth Collective Manipur.