8 BSNL exchanges in Ernakulam to be switched to IP-based systems

KOCHI: The BSNL will convert eight more exchanges in Ernakulam Secondary Switching Area (SSA) into next generation Internet Protocol based systems. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday. BSNL Ernakulam principal general manager G. Muraleedharan said the conversion will help improve efficiency of services. “The exchanges selected for the changeover included Chittoor, Vaduthala, Palarivattom, Ayyappankavu and Kathrikkadvu,” he added.

Mr Muraleedharan announced a series of new packages for mobile, landline and broadband subscribers including a landline connection with Rs 49 as installation charges for three months. He said a BSNL landline customer gets a 50 per cent reduction in call charges as calls made from 9 pm to 7 am from Monday to Saturday are free. Apart from this, it is fully free on Sunday from anywhere in India. CRZ norm violation: VACB initiates probe

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has initiated a quick verification against officials of the Maradu municipality for permitting "illegal" construction by the Hotel Crown Plaza. The action was ordered by Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas on a complaint filed by Jayakumar K S and a few local residents. “A report will be filed within six weeks after conducting the probe,” a senior VACB official said.

As per the complaint, the hotel group converted 4.55 acre of paddy fields into commercial land. Further, the construction was made in the No-Development Zone (NDZ) of the CRZ-III area. The complaint alleged that the hotel was granted a bar license despite its proximity to a temple and that the Maradu municipality also granted life-term permit to the hotel building as against norms.