Youth Congress stages protest against Tata Power in Odisha

The Khordha district unit of the Congress staged a protest on Tuesday, accusing Tata Power of exploiting electricity consumers. Raising slogans against the power utility, Congress workers alleged that consumers were being harassed through unfair practices.

Under the banner of the District Youth Congress, a massive rally was taken out from Khordha’s New Bus Stand. The procession marched through key areas of the town before reaching the TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) office. Party members gathered outside the office and held a demonstration highlighting their grievances.

“They are forcing poor consumers to pay advance security deposits, in the name of Smart meter, they are committing corruption. If a consumer’s electric wire is damaged or burnt and the repair costs Rs 2,000, Tata Power staff will replace the wire if Rs 1,150 is deposited with the company,” said Rajib Pattnaik, Youth Congress President, Khordha.

Also Read: Odisha Congress workers lock Tata Power office over security deposit, smart meter issues

Four-Point Charter of Demands

During the protest, Congress leaders placed a four-point charter of demands before the authorities. They submitted a memorandum addressed to the government through departmental officials, urging immediate action to address the issues faced by electricity consumers.

TPCODL Responds

Responding to the allegations, the Executive Engineer of TPCODL stated that all the complaints raised by the Congress would be brought to the notice of senior departmental officials for due consideration.

“They discussed two to three points with me, one of which was the withdrawal of the Advance Security Deposit (ASD). As per OERC regulations, the ASD is reviewed annually, and they have demanded its withdrawal. We will now escalate the matter to the headquarters,” said Chandrabhan Mohanty, Executive Engineer, TPCODL, Khordha.