Sir — It is bewildering that a two-third population of Bihar lacks electricity, as per a World Bank study report. The report shows the depth of backwardness in Bihar. The per capita electricity consumption of 144 KW in Bihar, against the national average of 917 KW, tells a lot about the non-availability of electricity at affordable rates. To cap it all, aggregate technical and commercial losses in the State are said to be the highest in the country. This speaks poorly of maintenance in the generation and distribution of electrical energy. What successive Governments in Bihar after the advent of independence have been doing, is difficult to comprehend. It is pathetic that 66 per cent of people are living in the dark ages even now.
The World Bank study report is said to have asked the State Government to step up generation capacity and ramp up investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure affordable power to the consumers. Economic and industrial development has received a severe beating in the State, thanks to the inadequate supply of electricity. Now, the present dispensation in Bihar will last for less than six months, since a fresh election is due. The World Bank study report must open the eyes of the new Government that takes charge, to ensure that no one is left without power supply.