The Centre launched the Saubhagya Yojana to provide electricity connections to all non-electrified households in rural and urban areas.
But the scheme has failed to attain its objective. Singhijuba village under Binka block in Subarnapur district is a prime example of the scheme’s failure.
Power meters were installed in the houses of consumers in the village three months ago. But electricity connection has not been provided.
Krupanidhi Haripal, a denizen of the area, said that many people had applied for electricity connection under Saubhagya Yojana a year ago.
Although meters were installed at the houses, electricity connection has not been provided.
Consequently, many people drew a service cable from their neighbour’s house to their premises and started tapping electricity.
Many such cases are being reported from many villages of Ullunda block. Although meters have been installed, people here have not got electricity connections.
If this is the state of affairs in a village near the district headquarters, then one can guess the situation in far flung rural pockets, said activist Dillip Kumar Patra.
Although the Wesco claims it has provided electricity connections to all households, the non-electrified houses in Ullunda and Binka blocks have put a big question mark over the agency’s claims.
When contacted, Binka SDO Rasmi Ranjan Jena said that due to some disputes for connection of Sub-Station or LT Line, the problem has occurred. However, it would be sorted out soon.