CAG points to BSNL lapses relating to Interconnect Usage Charges

New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has pointed to several lapses by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) in billing and collection of Interconnect Usage Charges (IUC) from other service providers before and after the introduction of Inter Operator Billing and Accounting System (IOBAS) in 2005.

BSNL is state-run leading communication company with services across the country, except in Delhi and Mumbai.

The CAG, in its Report on 'Union Government Commercial' relating to Information Technology Appplication in Public Sector Undertakings, observed that prior to introduction of IOBAS, Bangalore Telephone District delayed the issuance of bills for call violations to seven private operators, entailing the risk of loss of Rs 409 crore of IUC.

In the Report, which was recently submitted to Parliament, the CAG said, ''The arrears were not computed correctly in three telecom circles leading to short collection of Rs 24.67 crore from private operators.'' It said the Access Deficit Charges amounting to Rs 15.15 crore from Reliance Infocomm Ltd and Tata Teleservices Ltd for the period November 2004 to February 2006 remained unrealised as of March 2007.

On its comments on post-IOBAS period, the CAG said non-implementation of the company's instructions on call violations in IOBAS through the application service providers led to short collection of IUC to the tune of Rs 44.91 crore.

Transit charges amounting to Rs 33.38 core were not billed for a different period, the Report said.

Calls generated at the point of interconnect were not reconciled with that billed by the IOBAS, which led to revenue loss, the Report said.

The CAG further observed that payment accounting module in IOBAS was not implemented completely in all telecom cirlces which deprived the company of the benefits of managing its accounts through a centralised accounting system.

Moreover, the agreement conditions on settlement of disputed claims were not adhered to, leading to short collection of IUC to the tune of Rs 55.35 crore, the Report said.

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