PANJIM: In the whole saga, where Raghoba Gaonkar of Caurem-Pirla was trying to get a permanent power connection for their house, the Electricity Department was honest enough to admit that Rs 30,000 was paid to them by Raghoba and acknowledged their delay in installing the electricity poles.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant raised questions in the Goa Assembly on Monday during Zero Hour and hinted about encroachment on forest land. If the house was illegal, why was Rs 30,000 taken?
Assistant Engineer Sanjiv Mashelkar also explained how the calculation of Rs 30,000 was done. He said, “In 2016, Raghoba had paid extension charges. The government gives the first 30 metres of wire free. His connection has to be brought from 580 metres from the LT line. So for 550 metres we multiplied the same by Rs 50 for the charges.”
He said, “We give the poles free of cost. Today it is very difficult to bring the poles. But I will make arrangements and get them.”
The Assistant Engineer agreed that money was paid in 2016 and admitted that there was a delay on their part. “It shouldn’t have taken seven years. But I don’t know the reason. I joined the subdivision just a month ago. I will resolve Raghoba’s issue as soon as possible.”
