Power supply
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 24 2012:
A public convention of electric consumers held today at Kuki Inn strongly expressed resentment over the uneven power supply to the consumers of the State.
The resource persons of the convention also asserted that the public should register opposition to the VIP lines being provided with uninterrupted power supply throughout the day while the rest get only three hours of power supply.
The convention, held under the aegis of Manipur Power Consumers' Association with the theme Power Problem in Manipur, also suggested that the consumers should pay tax according to the amount of power utilisation.
Speaking as the resource person, senior journalist Irengbam Arun asked how the people of the State are expected clear power tax when they are provided with only three hours of power supply a day.
Stating that the Manipur Government violates the Electricity Act, 2003, Arun suggested that a PIL be filed against the Government.
In an attempt to mend power shortage caused due to the launch of pre-paid system at some areas, the voltage of power has been reduced for other consumers.
He said, before the introduction of pre-paid system, the voltage was somewhere around 220/230 .
But now it has been reduced to 110/120 v of power.
Irengbam Arun argued that pre-paid system be continued and at the same time let all the consumers get equal voltage of power.
Rakesh Meihoubam, Advisory Committee member of Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, Manipur-Mizoram said as per provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 which came into force in the State since January 24, 2008, telephone service should be provided to consumers to lodge their complaints.
However, consumers of the State are denied
this advantage.
Yumnam Rupachandra was of the view that the Power Department should set its house in order first.
There are many employees who regularly enjoy their salary without performing their duties.
They are leading the consumers in the wrong path.
The meeting was also attended by former Chief Engineer of NHPC, Loktak, Maibam Lalmani and AMPCA President, Sanasam Chaoba as the resource persons.
C Upendra, retired District and Session Judge, Manipur and adviser of AMPCA, E Dolendro were the chief guest and president respectively.