AIZAWL, July 31 � In a classic case of �if you can�t beat them join them�, the Mizoram Government has launched its very own multi-level-marketing company called the Mizoram Direct Marketing Limited (MDML) creating a sensation across the board as it is the first government to step into this murky business which government itself is trying to rein in since the year 2000.
It has mortified the Chief Secretary L Tochhong and her ranks as well as politicians who were not in the loop and who are now trying to prevail upon the Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla to close down this shop as it is a grave impropriety for a government, if not totally illegal, sources said.
The fait accompli was presented by no less than the Principal secretary of Industries C Lallawmsanga, who launched it with, he claimed, the blessings of the CM. At that function he said that the State had decided to get into MLM and direct marketing of sundry consumer goods to eradicate unemployment. He also justified the venture saying �its geographical conditions does not suit setting up of any industries in Mizoram.� With this pontification, he dashed to bits the raison d'etre of his own department.
Two senior bureaucrats Teresea Vanlalhruaii and Lalbiakthanga Chhakchhuak are directors of the company. At the function, he also awarded the licence to Mizo Life Marketing Solutions Limited. Sources said that some bureaucrats have managed to sweet-talk the somnolent CM into this Alice in Wonderland-like situation. Adding to the �tea-party� tone is that the Industries Principal Secretary is a cop, an IPS officer on deputation here.
That the Mizo Govt is linked in this venture with Chennai based RMP Infotech Private Limited, a company which is embroiled in several cases regarding its MLM business was another shocker. They also pointed out that main USP of the MDML being sold to public is that it will not come under Prize Chits & Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978 as it is a government undertaking, which will give them a free run.
The fact that MDML�s facebook and other sites still proudly advertises its wares with the mug-shots of Thanhawla and Governor Vakkom B Purushothaman inlaid with the Ashoka Chakra is another bombshell.
�They should be ashamed,� said a lecturer.