Team Herald
PANJIM: Rupees 323 crore is dues from the defaulting power consumers and of which, the dues of the State government departments comprise almost over 40 per cent.
To recover the dues, Power Minister Nilesh Cabral has initiated the process; and from next month, the Power Department will file RRC- Revenue Recovery Certificate cases against the consumers who have failed to clear their dues despite repeated follow up and even after disconnection.
Speaking to media persons, Cabral said that after going through the balance sheets of all the divisions, it has been observed that a total of Rs 323 crore is outstanding from the power consumers of which about Rs 120-145 crore is due from various government departments.
“The amount is expected to go up to Rs 350 crore as the balance sheet of Panjim and Curchorem division is yet to be finalised,” the minister said.
He said that it took him almost eight to nine months to study the balance sheets of every division, which was pending for last five years. “We will ensure that the entire amount of Rs 323 or Rs 350 crore is recovered. We have already started the process and issued notices and people are paying the dues,” Cabral said.
“Whether it is government department or individual or private consumer, everyone will have to pay the money. The recovery has to be done. Finally, it is the public money; and we need it to buy more power,” he stated.
The minister said that failure on the part of the State government to recover the dues and make payment to DISCOM would result in disconnection of power supply to the State as a whole.
Cabral said that the government has also identified RRC consumers, who despite reminders have failed to make the payment. “From next month, we are going to file cases against those consumers for recovery,” he said.
Sources revealed that the State Public Works Department (PWD) with an outstanding due of Rs 95 crore is the biggest defaulter. Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) has also not paid an amount of Rs 50 lakh.
