Viewing no scope in revisiting the decision to hand over power distribution job for Ranchi and Jamshedpur to private companies, the electricity broad is looking adamant to go ahead with it. Jharkhand State Electricity Board Chairman SN Verma in the process brushed aside the apprehension about revenue loss and finds no merit in the demand to have an audit done by Accountant General in the matter.
Talking to The Pioneer on Thursday Verma though assured for another round of talk with the employees who have threatened to go on strike from December 5 over the issue. “Definitely we are going ahead with it and there is no looking back. This is based on the best practices being adopted in other States. Why should we go backIJ We will again call them to discuss the all the matter if required.”
He also termed Tata Power and CESC as best candidates operating in the country to justify the decision taken by the Board. “Tata is doing it in Delhi and they have shown the profitability and stability in the electricity sector. CESC is doing in Kolkata and maintained very well,” added the Chairman.
Various associations of JSEB employees have been pressing to scrap the deal signed citing huge losses the Board would incur and windfall gains to the private companies in case the bill collection job goes to them. Verma however rubbishes the claim. “The loss theory is just hype. Someone has told them that there would be a loss of Rs 10,000 crore! What kind of loss when there is no business of that magnitudeIJ There is no point of hypothetical talks.”
The employees in their demand put with Energy Minister Rajendra Singh had sought for an audit by Accountant General before going ahead with the franchise model. Though, Verma see no merit into this. “When an audit takes placeIJ When there is any expense. Audit for whatIJ It would be a pre-audit kind of thing. We have not spent anything. In any case we have given audit job to two reputed companies—Feedback Infra and Il&FS-JINFRA. Both of them have submitted their reports which are now with the Minister. The minister has to take a call,” he said.