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| PDD far behind in installing power meters | | |
Jammu | Feb 26
Out of 970386 domestic power connections only six percent numbering 59452 are metered whereas out of 17487 commercial/industrial power connections only 27 percent numbering 4803 connections are metered by the Power Development Department. .
The reason which has been forwarded by the power utilities for non-metering these connection is the non-availability of digital meters.
However, a perusal of the recently published report by Comptroller and Auditor General takes the lid off the massive irregularities which have been committed in procuring these meters which has resulted in a massive loss to the customers.
As per the CAG report, procurement orders for only 2,75000 meters (28 percent of actual requirement) were placed during 2001-2006 against which only 61500 meters were obtained. In addition, 2755 meters were obtained by consumers themselves as per the report.
“Due to the Department’s failure to take timely action for procurement of adequate number of meters, the target of metering all the consumer installations in a time bound manner, in accordance with the programme guidelines/MOAs, could not be ensured despite three years of implementation of the programme in the state”, the CAG report quotes.
Interestingly the department also purchased energy meters at higher rates causing pecuniary losses to the state exchequer. The department bought 30000 meters at the rate of Rs 1155 per piece while the negotiated rate was Rs 850 causing a loss of Rs 91.50 lakh.
Here it must mentioned that a Legislative Committee which was formed to investigate the alleged bungling in purchase of meters, in its interim report had pointed out that the departmental authorities had arbitrarily changed the conditions regarding the mode of payment which reduced the competitiveness resulting in many manufacturers leaving the field.
The CAG report further criticized the department for making payments which were not due.
As per the report, a test check of the records of the Executive Engineer, EM &RE-II Srinagar has revealed that non-admissible entry tax amounting to Rs 6.19 lakh was paid to firm supplying 5000 single phase energy meters.
As a result of the failure of the department to procure and install these meters, the commitment made with Government of India regarding the mandatory installation of meters could not be fulfilled.
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