The Hindu : BJP flays power tariff hike proposal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 22, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

BJP flays power tariff hike proposal

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JAN.21. The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party president, Harsh Vardhan, today strongly criticised the proposed move by the Delhi Government to impose a three-time increase in power tariff on the people of Delhi in connivance with the private power distribution companies. Opposing any such move, he termed the proposal as anti-people, anti-poor and attempts to cover up the inefficiency of the two private companies.

The Delhi BJP chief said instead of ensuring a proper supply of power and curbing theft, the private companies and the Delhi Government were trying to impose a heavy financial burden on the people to cover up their own inefficiencies. He said the BJP would oppose any such move and even launch an agitation if a decision in this regard is taken in the near future. He alleged that large-scale embezzlement of funds had taken place in the hands of the private contractors under the Single Point Delivery scheme and the Delhi Government had turned a blind eye to this loot.

He said the estimated deficit of Rs. 800 crores in the power sector was not due to theft of electricity but a result of extravagant payments made by the Delhi Government to the private sector companies to cover up their losses. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said the Delhi Government had violated all norms by ensuring 16 per cent annual profit to the private companies that was the main cause for the increased deficit. He demanded an in-depth inquiry into the functioning of the two private power companies and the agreement signed between the Delhi Government and the private companies.

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