PORVORIM: The Members in the Legislative Assembly on Monday cornered the government or continued power tariff hike, pointing out that it is putting a significant burden on common citizens.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai who tabled his starred question, stated that power tariffs were hiked by 1.58 per cent in 2022-23 and by 5.19 per cent in 2023-24 while the government has proposed hike to the tune of 3.48 per cent for 2024-25.
Pointing out that this amounts to a 10.05 per cent hike, Sardesai questioned the government as to whether salaries have grown in this proportion and how will common citizens cope with such hikes.
Recover arrears
The Opposition members also demanded measures to recover Rs 643 crores worth arrears i.e. pending power bills from defaulters including, many government departments. They asked the government to take measures to curb loss to the tune of 12 per cent due to leakage during transmission and distribution.
Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said that arrears of Rs 643 crore include Rs 208.96 crore from domestic consumers, Rs 53 crore from commercial consumers, Rs 26 crore from industrial consumers and Rs 355 crore from State and Central government departments.
Dhavlikar assured members that the government
has moved a file for books of transfer within government departments to be updated post the session to manage
the recovery figures.
He also informed the House that around 13 cases related to recovery of large amounts of dues from private parties are pending before the High Court. Stating that of the 12 per cent loss due to leakage, 7 per cent was within the State and due to old power lines, he said works are on to upgrade the power infrastructure.
Stating that the government will issue notices to recover money from the defaulters, the Minister assured Sardessai to look into the allegations of an agent collecting Rs 2,500 to submit online applications from those who have been issued notices.
