PAC for stringent measures to check power pilferage, illegal connections

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 20: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Legislative Assembly on Wednesday stressed upon the Power Development Department (PDD) authorities for taking concrete measures to stop electric pilferage. The committee also directed them to gear up their field functionaries and enforcement wing so that practice of illegal connections is curbed strictly.
The Committee, which met under the chairmanship of MLA Rafi Ahmed Mir discussed and examined the CAG’s Audit paras pertaining to PDD besides functioning of the department.
While discussing consumer metering, the Committee directed the concerned to speed up the pace of metering of consumers throughout the length and breadth of the State. The Panel also asked the PDD to make aware general masses about the J&K electricity Act so that wastage and power thefts are discouraged.
Legislators, Vijay Bakaya, Bashir Ahmed Magray, Kafeel-ur-Rehman, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, Indu Pawar, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bhukhari, Sukhnandan, Feroz Ahmed Khan and Bimla Luthra gave their valuable suggestions to improve the functioning of the PDD and its allied wings.
While discussing the issue of Sub Transmission and Distribution Losses, the Committee stressed upon the officers of PDD to regularize the existing illegal domestic consumer connections in a time bound manner and fix responsibility.
Discussing the progress achieved under RGGVY, the panel directed the concerned to speed up the pace of work on all ongoing projects and ensure power supply to un-electrified and de-electrified peripheral areas of the state.
Principal Secretary, PDD Sudhanshu Pandey presented the scenario of PDD. He also briefed the committee about the audit para pertaining to the PDD. He said Rs 89 crore budget has been allocated for augmenting transmission and distribution system of the State.
Managing Director, JKSPDC Basharat Ahmed Dhar also briefed about the achievements of the corporation.
Among others, Principal Accountant General, J&K Dr. Subhash Chander Pandey, Director General Accounts and Treasuries Wali Mohammad Bhat, Chief Engineers of different wings of PDD and its allied sectors besides senior officers of Assembly Secretariat including Deputy Secretary Bansi Lal Koul attended the meeting.