Consumer group to move court

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, MAY 30. The Confederation of Andhra Pradesh Consumers' Organisations (CAPCO) has embarked on a peaceful protest against the ``steep'' hike in electricity tariff to be effected by the APTRANSCO from June 4.

It includes writing of postcards to the APTRANSCO and the Chief Minister, taking up a signature campaign, conducting seminars/workshops and staging demonstrations. The confederation at its general body meeting here on May 28 decided to file a writ petition against the APTRANSCO decision, Mr.M. Krishna Reddy, president, and Mr.V. Gouri Sankara Rao, general secretary, told a press conference here on Tuesday.

They said the general body while condemning the hike ``as improper and unilateral,''demanded that it be temporarily deferred pending discussions with representatives of consumers. Then only a "reasonable" increase should be effected. Besides, they suggested that more slabs be introduced in the telescopic system for the benefit of middle class domestic consumers.

Mr. Reddy pointed out that enhancement of tariff alone was not the solution. Besides cutting the 38 per cent transmission losses, theft of electricity should be curbed and dues of Rs.1,000 crores collected from industrialists.

Both Mr. Reddy and Mr. Rao urged the Government to rescue the consumer fora in the districts and the State Consumer Commission so that the exploitation of the people could be checked. They wanted the Government to fill the vacant posts of president and members of the 15 district and to separate consumer affairs from the Civil Supplies department. A Minister should be appointed head of the newly-created department.

They said the general body elected office-bearers. While Mr.N.Srinivas of Karimnagar was chosen honorary president Mr. Krishna Reddy the president. There are four vice-presidents, three regional secretaries, a treasurer and 23 executive committee members of the association.

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Section  : Southern States
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