Congress protests proposed Electricity Dept privatisation

Hundreds of Congress activists were today detained by the police near the Sectors 18 and 19 light point when they were protesting against the proposed privatisation of the UT Electricity Department. Later, they were released by the police.

In a statement, Rajiv Sharma, chief spokesperson, city Congress unit, stated that prominent citizens from resident welfare associations, villages and non-governmental organisations participated in the march taken out to gherao Punjab Raj Bhawan. During the protest, men were outnumbered by women, who had come out in great numbers to register their anger against the move.

The party activists were led by party president HS Lucky, who were carrying placards and black flags, began their march towards the Punjab Raj Bhawan at noon when they were stopped by a heavy contingent of police and paramilitary forces. Lucky and other senior leaders were taken by the police to the Sector 19 police station.

Addressing the protesters, Lucky said that a well-managed and profit making Electricity Department was being handed over to a private player. He said that the department had been so efficient that even after charging one of the lowest tariffs in the country, the department’s complaint resolution time was among the lowest in the country and the line losses here were pegged at just about 10 per cent.

Later, a memorandum to this effect was submitted to the UT Administrator through DSP Dilbagh Singh. A plea to withdraw the move to privatise the department in the interest of the city residents had been made in the memorandum.

JERC will regulate power tariff: Admn

Rumours are circulating that electricity rates in Chandigarh will rise following privatisation. However, the UT Administration has clarified that even after privatisation, electricity rates will continue to be regulated and determined by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).

PR Kumar, president, Power Distribution, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, in a statement said, “We deeply appreciate the trust placed in us by the Central Government and the Chandigarh Administration.”

“Eminent Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL), a subsidiary of CESC Limited (an RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group company), is fully committed to developing a world-class electrical infrastructure that complements the city’s green aesthetics and heritage,” he said and added that, “I am confident that we will set a new benchmark in Chandigarh by providing our consumers with best-in-class services,” he added.

He further added, “We reiterate to the employees of the Electricity Department that their welfare, including service conditions and retirement benefits, will be fully safeguarded in accordance with the agreement.”