Kurmi 'exposes' power scerio

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Oct 15: Even after being in power for the last 14 years, the Tarun Gogoi led Congress government in the State has failed to improve the power scerio of the State. This fact has come to light following the revelations made by none other than the parliamentary secretary for power, Rupjyoti Kurmi himself. Addressing a press meet in Bijulee Bhawan, Guwahati on Thursday, Kurmi said that Assam is still lagging behind in aspect of electricity. Drawing examples of States like Punjab, he said, “State like Punjab is providing electricity to other states. If Punjab can, why can’t Assam?”

Stating that there are complaints from the public that electricity department doesn’t responds to consumer complaints regularly, the parliamentary secretary expressed his dissatisfaction on it and asked Chief Engineer of APDCL Upper Assam, Ranjit Saikia to look into the aspect.

“The power department is not taking any initiative to improve the power scerio or to boost production. There are a lot of opportunities in the State. The department is not taking the steps that need to be taken,” Kurmi said. He stressed on the scope of solar energy and wind energy and said that he has taken it up with scientists.

Kurmi also alleged that the APDCL of every district head quarter is yet to get payment from State government institutions against electric bills amounting Rs. 50 to 70 lacs approx and approximately Rs 13 crores due from Central government institution like Panch Gram Paper Mill, and Jagiroad Paper Mill.

He also said that the government sanctioned Rs 44 crore for individual meters for tea garden labourers, but the slow progress of the work is worrisome.

He also alleged that due to negligence of APDCL, the flood lights installation in the Indo-Bangladesh border has not yet completed.

Kurmi also stated that manpower shortage in every district is an obstruction for the officials to give acute service to the customers.

Speaking about the 660 MW Margherita Thermal Power Project, he said that the project is yet to get clearance from the Centre.

Kurmi also said that after taking oath as parliamentary secretary he visited all 27 distircts of the State and reviewed the power scerio. He further said that he will meet Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi soon and submit a report and appeal him to convene a high level meeting.

He also stated that in order to take stock of power scerio in other States, he is planning to take a tour of few States soon.