ITANAGAR, Oct 25 - Expressing concern over the fact that Arunachal Pradesh, despite being touted as the country�s �power house�, is yet to meet its own requirement because of which the State was facing power shortage, Chief Minister Pema Khandu called for perfect coordination between Power (Electrical) and Hydropower departments so that power generated by the State-owned hydel stations is judiciously and equitably distributed to consumers.
�It is embarrassing to note that where there is power generation there is no transmission lines for distribution. This has to be sorted out mutually by the concerned departments,� Khandu said during a review meeting on State�s power scenario along with Parliamentary Secretary for Power Thangwang Wangham and Commissioner (Power) Ashish Kundra here today.
The meeting was attended by all Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers of the department.
To a question by the Chief Minister on lack of revenue generation by the department, the officials admitted that the revenue collected has indeed been far less than the revenue that should have been collected in all divisions. �The actual revenue collected is meagre compared to the actual number of consumers. This has to be seriously thought about and I request the department to chalk out a fool-proof plan in this regard in consultation with the Parliamentary Secretary and Commissioner,� Khandu said.
To the submission by the department that lack of manpower is adversely affecting its performance at the ground level, Khandu assured that manpower requirements of the department will be positively taken care of in a phased manner. �The Power Department directly deals with consumers and has to provide service 24x7; we are aware of its need to have sufficient manpower. We will ensure strengthening the department as much as possible this year and will take care of the remaining requirements in the next financial year,� Khandu assured.
He urged the officers to be sincere in their duties towards the people, saying �departmental officers are the real caretakers, not the Chief Minister�.
