Woes of Power Consumers

Sir,

This is in reference to News item ''Reconsider Electricity fee structure'' published in Daily Excelsior on September 28, 2003 in which State Secretary Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) M Y Targami has taken serious view over the way the 'Managers' of State Power Deptt. have entered into an indiscriminate race to execute the fresh agreements from the ordinary people which can hardly fit into the functioning of a welfare State. This theory is very correct as the present Government has failed to catchhold of those who consume electricity illegally and as per Govt estimates there number is about ten lakhs but the general public feels that both legal and illegal connections are on fifty fifty basis. The fee charged from these illegal consumers is not accounted for anywhere but goes directly in the pockets of the employees of PDD. It is only about two years back that the PDD has got the revised agreement after such assessment which suited their income without taking into consideration the paying capacity of general public particularly the lower and middle class and now again without any assessment especially in Udhampur PDD Division (M&R), the officers and officials by sitting in the office have made unprecedented hike in power tariff by doubling the same which shows how they have again come down on those law abiding consumers leaving illegal consumers to go scot free. It clearly shows that the Government itself is encouraging corruption and compelling the law abiding people to adopt the same path and its promises of eradication of corruption from the system which has taken deep root in the society are quite hollow as nothing has been done on the ground so far. There is also a common impression that the employees of the PDD do not pay at all for consuming power and if any one pays it is nominal and as such there is demand that the Govt should issue a white paper on the fee paid by the officers and other employees of the PDD with full details. Further the remedy is that the work of Electricity Deptt be handed over to the privately companies where the culprits will be suitably dealt with and only those who pay honestly will enjoy the electricity facility.

Yours etc..
B L Balwal
Udhampur

Kalsote-Moungri road in bad shape

Sir,

About 6 kms road stretch from Kalsote to Moungri of Kainthgali-Dubigali road under PWD (R&B) division Udhampur speaks volumes of the apathetic attitude of authorities concerned. It presents dismal picture of their discriminatory approach, which surely amounts to discredit on the part of PWD (R&B) Udhampur. The worst conditioned portion is never attended sincerely. The people have been crying violently for decades for its all round improvement. But the voices fell into deaf ears. Though the authorities upto ministries' level do conduct frequent tours of the area by passing through this road-stretch. By seeing its deplorable condition they express their unhappiness and concern. After few bitter remarks some instructions and guidelines are issued to the lower authorities every time. But the road's condition remains unchanged.

In fact, the portion, especially its 21st km, needs reconstruction. During its construction at the initial stage decades ago the road was left with bad shape by the concerned agencies deputed by PWD (R&B) Udhampur. Technically too, the stretch is unfit. It is surprising that how the department issued the clean chit and cleared the bills. It is a matter of thorough probe. The road still is in the same shape. It looks as if it has been left half-constructed i.e, left in half way without removing dangerous and breath-taking ''Ups and downs." The vehicles particularly passenger buses, which always remain overloaded and over crowed on this hilly route, face inexplicable difficulties and risk while crossing this portion. Moreover, the road here with all its blood-freezing congestions, sharp curves and many other drawbacks passes through high and hair-raising steep falls. One really shivers while travelling through this hellish portion. It is all due to the grace of nearby Lord Shiv-Parvati sacred caves shrine that the people have not yet met with any tragedy. Nevertheless, many a time the passengers have had narrow escape here. There is every apprehension of any untoward and human life consuming incident. Due to the obvious reasons the pilgrim-visitors flow to the God gifted beautiful area is also being badly affected.

It has been learnt that a comprehensive plan has been formulated after survey and estimate of this road stretch to get its left off and dangerous portion completed/re-constructed. It is said that the plan has been sent to NABARD authorities in Mumbai for their nod. It is true or not, the authorities concerned know better. What the people require and pressing for is the reconstruction of the said portion by levelling, widening and fully improving it in all respects to avoid any unfortunate happening without further delay.

Yours etc...
Swantantra Dev Kotwal
Advocate
Udhampur (J&K)