Porvorim: Members of the Legislative Assembly on Monday slammed the government for continuing the increase in electricity tariffs and said it was putting a lot of burden on the common citizens.
Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardesai, while placing his starred question, said that electricity tariffs were increased by 1.58 per cent in 2022-23 and 5.19 per cent in 2023-24, while the government has proposed an increase of 3.48 per cent for 2024-25. ,
Pointing out that this is an increase of 10.05 per cent, Sardesai questioned the government whether the salaries have increased in this proportion and how will the common citizens cope with such a hike.
recover dues
The opposition members also demanded measures to recover dues of Rs 643 crore from defaulters including several government departments. He asked the government to take measures to prevent the 12 per cent loss due to leakage during transmission and distribution.
Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said the dues of Rs 643 crore include Rs 208.96 crore from domestic consumers, Rs 53 crore from commercial consumers, Rs 26 crore from industrial consumers and Rs 355 crore from state and central government departments.
Dhavalikar assured the members that the government
A file has been transferred for books of transfer within government departments to be updated after the session for management
Recovery figures.
He also told the House that about 13 cases related to recovery of huge amount of dues from private parties are pending before the High Court. Of the 12 per cent losses due to leakage, 7 per cent occurred within the state and due to old power lines, he said, adding that work was underway to upgrade the power infrastructure.
Saying that the government will issue notices to recover money from defaulters, the minister assured Sardesai that allegations of an agent charging Rs 2,500 for submitting online applications from those to whom notices have been issued will be looked into. .
