| CM's power reforms still a distant-dream | | SERC dismayed over pilferage of power, meter testing arrangements | | Avinash Azad
Jammu, Oct 3: Like un-employment and corruption, the pilferage of electricity in Jammu and Kashmir, seems overlooked issues for Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah led state coalition government, as during the regime nothing has changed. Moreover, half a decade ago constituted State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) also seems helpless with the Power Development Department (PDD) allegedly not complying the direction of the commission. Sources in PDD, were number of suggestions for streamlining of the department given by the SERC, since the body came into existence, but due to shortage of resources including funds and expert staff the target given by the commission remained un-touched.
"To prevent power theft and pilferage of electricity and meter testing arrangements, are among advises given the SERC to PDD, as remedial steps to mend past's misconducts of the utility", said sources, adding that over meter testing arrangements, the commission has expressed its displeasure. Sources further said that the commission had declined the measures taken by the utility and had directed to expedite the process of establishing meter testing laboratories and submit quarterly compliance report in that regard within first week of month succeeding the quarter.
"The PDD was directed to constitute a task force in each circle to carry out massive raids on a regular basis to check pilferage of electricity. The officers in charge of the concerned circles shall have to be made answerable in case of detection of theft of electricity in their areas of operation, besides booking those consumers committing theft and penal action taken against them", sources said, adding that conversely, the directions were not being abided by the utility.
The sources, however, asserted that the utility conducts inspections occasionally, which is in-sufficient to eradicate the hazard of power theft which has been taking huge toll to state exchequer.
"The PDD, as per the direction of the Commission, should conduct inspection on regular basis, it will definitely discourage the consumers, who are indulged in power theft", sources opined, adding that over stay of a line in any area was also encouraging the power theft. "Linemen usually prefer to get money, instead of taking action, it is root cause behind the un-controlled power pilferage", they said, adding that if CM is really interest to eradicate the menace, he should make a surveillance cell comprising employees of different departments. "Cell formed in Jammu, should authorize to work in Kashmir and vice versa", they advised. |
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