Private and State Electricity Dept outsource fixing high tension electric wire to minors
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 21 2017:
Staff of Shyama Power Limited and linesmen of the State Electricity Department, have been allegedly outsourcing fixing and handling of high tension electric wiring at Tora village, Ukhrul district, to local villager (mostly minors).
According to a reliable source from Tora village, the staff of Shyama Power Limited and the linesmen of the State Electric Department have been found using minor boys from the village for climbing electric poles and fixing the high tension electric wires.
The minors are made to handle the work bare handed and without any safety equipments , risking their lives, while the linesmen/ staff safely watch from the ground, the source alleged .
The source pointed out that in 2015, one David Shanghei, a village authority of Chingjaroi village, was electrocuted while fixing the high tension wire and till date, the authority concerned has not provided any kinds of compensation to the family of the deceased .
On the other hand, a seven year old boy from Nungbi village received severe electric shock in October due to the negligence and failure of the Department concerned to take up necessary safety measures regarding the unfenced transformer near Ukhrul town hall .
The accident resulted in amputation of the minor's right arm, the source added .
Para Legal Volunteers of District Legal Services Authority Ukhrul have completed an enquiry regarding the incident and the necessary report were submitted to the Secretary, DSLA Ukhrul.
The report was further submitted to the Member Secretary of Manipur State Legal Services Authority by the Secretary DSLA Ukhrul for taking up the matter to the High Court of Manipur.