The Nikhila Odisha Bidyut Sramik Mahasangha (NOBSM) has demanded CAG audit into the accounts of power distribution companies (discoms) in the State since the privatisation of electricity distribution business.
“Massive irregularities have taken place starting from power generation to distribution by companies. Crores of rupees are pending on companies. Instead of bringing the money from them, the Government is sitting idle while the companies are insisting on power tariff hike each year,” said Mahasangha general secretary Akshaya Kumar Tripathy at the 15th annual general body meeting of the union.
“An audit into the accounts of private discoms becomes essential after the CAG detected several irregularities by the three power distribution companies,” Tripathy observed.
He said if the electricity projects initiated by the State Government had been implemented properly, then power cut and other power related problems would have been avoided and surplus power could be sold resulting in generation of crore of rupees, added Tripathy.
The State Government has lost crore of rupees by giving franchise to four electricity companies, Tripathy charged.
The electricity distribution companies (discoms) have looted crores of rupees from consumers and the Government in the State, the union alleged.
Ramachandra Khuntia was elected as president of the Sangha for the next two years. Vice-president Padnava Padhy, Pratap Swain, Subrat Mishra, Dinabandhu Mohanty, Prafulla Patnaik, Kishore Jena and Rajiv Mohanty were present in the discussion meet. Amarjumar Pratap Singh gave vote of thanks. Two employees were felicitated on the occasion.