Biswajit envisages 4.5 lakh prepaid meters activation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10 2018: Stating that earnest efforts will be put in to increase installation of transformer in every locality to ensure adequate power supply in the State, Power Minister Th Biswajit divulged that a target has been set to activate 4.5 lakh prepaid meters.

Addressing the 51st Annual General Body Meeting of Manipur Electricity Employees' Union (MEEU) held today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound as chief guest, Biswajit said that naked electric wires that are still used in the localities would be replaced to avoid any eventuality including electrocution.

He informed that around 3.5 lakh prepaid meters have been activated so far since the introduction of pre-paid meter system in the State.

He elaborated that the Government pays an electric bill of Rs 32 crore per month and Rs 21 crore per month in summer.

Activation of prepaid meter at Mao is going on.

Necessary arrangements will be made to install pre paid meter in different parts of the hill districts, he added.

He said that various measures being taken up by the Government to provide uninterrupted power supply have been highlighted in the ongoing Assembly session.

Biswajit envisages 4.5 lakh prepaid meters activation

Maintaining that the Government is trying to provide subsidy for installation of solar power panels, he appealed to the people to reserve a space for installation of solar power panel at the time of construction of house.

Solar power plate procured by the Government at the cost of Rs 1 lakh will be offered to the people at a subsidised price of Rs 60000, he announced.

Biswajit said that the Power Department alone cannot be blamed for all the inconveniences and hardships faced by the employees of Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) and Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL).

However, he admitted that the employees deserve timely release of monthly salary.

The Minister urged the union to work in coordination with the Department and convey their grievances openly.

Taking a dig at the previous Government for failing to restore the Imphal-Jiribam road, he asked why the previous Government does not exert pressure on the Central Government to repair the road within a stipulated time.

He also informed that a tender has already been floated for repair of Lilong-Moreh road.

Assuring that the new Government is keeping top priority on timely restoration of the National Highways, he said that most of the under construction roads in different parts will be completed by next year.

The annual general body meeting was also attended by senior advocate Elangbam Dolendra Singh as president; L Priyokumar Singh, Managing Director In-charge of MSPDCL; H Shantikumar Singh, General Manager (SLDC/GEN) MSPCL; N Dwijen Singh, Executive Director, Civil & Generation, MSPCL; Sheikh Abdul Hakim, Under Secretary (Power) and N Rajendro (Boy), former president of ICHAM as guests of honour.