Ramakanta Biswas

Bhubaneswar: A standing committee of the Odisha Assembly on Friday advised the Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha (WESCO) to refrain from going ahead with its proposed power supply disconnection drive and collect the pending dues from defaulting consumers in instalments.

The suggestions of the standing committee carry significance as the WESCO authorities have decided to commence crackdown on electricity bill defaulters from February 18.

The four-member standing committee, headed by MLA Subrat Tarai, visited Sambalpur today and reviewed works of the Energy, Revenue and Excise departments. The panel asked the power distribution company to not snap power supply of defaulting consumers keeping in view various upcoming examinations.

“The electricity bills of many consumers are pending and some are deliberately not paying the bills. We have asked the WESCO authorities chalk out alternative ways instead of snapping the power connection,” said Tarai.

“We suggested them not to collect pending bills at one go. Instead advised them to collect it through instalments so that the consumers will not feel financial burden,” he added.

During the review meeting, the committee expressed satisfaction over revenue collection in Sambalpur. However, the committee raised question over the functioning of the Excise department in the district.

The committee members pointed out that though there is no liquor shop in Burla area, sale of illicit liquor is rampant. The panel assured that action will be taken in this regard.

Meanwhile, Rengali MLA Nauri Nayak raised question over the presence of former MLA of Sambalpur, Raseswari Panigrahi with the standing committee. He said he would take up the issue with the Assembly Speaker.

No comments could be obtained from the former MLA in this regard.

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