Kolkata, Jul 21 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday launched a mobile application to register power theft complaints, saying the government has zero tolerance for electricity pilferage and industrial and commercial consumers keeping their dues pending.
He, however, said his government would ensure a humane approach towards domestic consumers with pending dues.
The chief minister also said the state would gradually shift towards smart metering and implement the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar scheme.
The ‘Bidyut Prahari’ app will enable consumers to report cases of power theft and grievances, and track the status of their complaints.
“All complaints related to electricity theft can be lodged through this app. They will be resolved promptly. We will undertake several more initiatives in due course,” Adhikari said.
Asserting that the government was determined to stop power theft, the chief minister issued a stern warning to officials against entertaining political interference.
“I have a few directions for all of you. First, line tapping has to stop. There will be no political interference in this matter. Even if a ruling party leader intervenes, it will not be entertained. Disconnect illegal connections wherever hooking is detected,” he said. “We have to bring electricity theft down to zero.” Adhikari also directed officials to intensify recovery of pending electricity dues, particularly from industrial and commercial establishments.
“There will be zero tolerance towards pending electricity bills of factories. Many commercial buildings also have outstanding electricity bills. In most cases, the owners are close to political leaders. That will not be tolerated,” he said.
At the same time, Adhikari asked officials to adopt a sympathetic approach while dealing with domestic consumers. “Be humane in the case of domestic consumers. Decisions should be taken after looking at their past payment records.” Describing the power department as one of the state’s key public service departments, he alleged that it had been neglected under the previous Trinamool Congress government.
“The power department is one of the most important departments serving the people. It was neglected under the previous government because its priority was paying doles. Our priority is public service,” he said.
The chief minister directed officials to expedite the construction of sub-stations wherever required, properly maintain existing infrastructure and address complaints of power outages and low voltage.
“Our state has surplus power. Yet, words like ‘load-shedding’, a legacy of the Left era, are still heard. This is not good for the government. Along with that, the problem of low voltage must also be resolved,” he said.
Adhikari also asked the department to expand underground cabling, complete pending projects, prepare detailed project reports for future works and ensure transparency in the tender process.
On staff recruitment, Adhikari announced that appointments in the power department would be made through the West Bengal Public Service Commission.
“There should be a proper system for recruitment. If a minister asks officials to accommodate someone, it becomes difficult for them to refuse.
“But I do not want recruitment to take place in that manner. People should complete their education and secure jobs through the proper process,” he said, adding that vacancies, particularly those of engineers, would be filled.
“There are many vacant engineering posts. The department is functioning with third-party personnel. We need competent engineers. The state has already earned a bad name over recruitment issues. We want to fill up the vacancies transparently,” Adhikari said.
Calling for a structured transfer policy, he said officials should not remain posted at the same place indefinitely.
“There should be a transfer policy in the power department. Nobody should remain at one place for too long. Those who have completed more than three years at a posting will be reviewed. There should be a proper transfer policy,” he said.
A senior power department official said the ‘Bidyut Prahari’ app would allow consumers to report power theft and other electricity-related grievances while tracking the status of their complaints in real time.
The identity of complainants reporting electricity theft would be kept confidential, while officials would monitor complaints round the clock to ensure prompt action, the official said.
Consumers would also be able to register service-related grievances and submit feedback through the application, he added. PTI SCH NSD
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