The Hindu : CM orders probe into discom officials' `rude behaviour'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 22, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

CM orders probe into discom officials' `rude behaviour'

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD Sept. 21. The Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has called for a report within two days on incidents of inhuman behaviour by Discom officials in collecting electricity dues from some consumers in Mahabubnagar district.

He directed the Central Discom Chairman and Managing Director T.V.S.N. Prasad, to depute a senior officer and get the incidents investigated and submit a report to him within two days.

Reviewing the incidents today, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu also directed the CMD to initiate disciplinary action against officials concerned, if found guilty. He expressed displeasure at the way the lower staff was behaving while collecting the arrears of power bills.

He said the collecting authorities should have a human touch and behave tactfully in realising the dues from consumers. The incidents of the kind in Mahabubnagar district were harming the image of the organisation and also the Government. Officials found guilty of such incidents would be dealt with severely, he said.

The Chief Minister advised Transco and Discom officials to keep the entire information on the Internet and maintain transparency besides educating people on various problems faced by Discoms.

Villagers on the rampage: A report from Mahabubnagar said hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the NH 7 yesterday near Miraspally village under Kothakota mandal, when villagers blocked the road for about two hours protesting against the alleged high-handed behaviour of AP Transco officials.

They also torched the jeep of officials who came to Miraspally for collection of dues from a defaulter. Trouble started when Transco officials tried to take away Shaik Imam who had defaulted to the tune of Rs. 6,000.

The villagers did not allow the jeep to move. When the driver tried to move ahead, the vehicle hit a villager Rajashekar Reddy injuring him. Enraged over this, the mob torched the jeep and resorted to `rasta roko'. They also detained the officials for about two hours. On coming to know about the incident, the Kothakota police rushed to the spot and pacified the villagers.

Transco engineers worried: The A.P. Transco Engineers Association has voiced concern over the attacks on electricity offices, sub-stations by farmers and other consumers, targeting the engineers on duty.

In a press release, the association general secretary, C.S.R. Sarma, said the engineers were doing their best to maintain the system and ensure uninterrupted supply. They were not responsible for failures and no useful purpose would be served if engineers or substations are attacked.

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