UP CM warns of strict action against the guilty in power scam

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said strict action would taken against officials guilty in the alleged scam of hacking power department's billing system and reducing consumers' bills.

"We will initiate strict action against officials guilty in the matter. It is being probed by the Special Task Force (STF)," Yadav said in Lucknow.

They were stated to be hand in gloves with departmental staff in the scam stated to be worth crores of rupees, sources in the STF had said. Earlier, while attending a review meeting of the power department, the chief minister directed officials to be ready for the summer and strengthen sub-stations, transformers and electricity lines.

"The state government is working towards proper generation, transmission and distribution of power in the state, so that people could get rid of power crisis," he said, adding the new projects were expected completed on time. He directed principal secretary of power department to ensure the 500-Mw second unit of Anpara-D thermal power project begins functioning by July.

Power distribution companies should start distribution of LEDs, the CM said, adding solar and other sources should also be tapped. Directing the officials to send a proposal for an additional ultra mega power plant project in the state, Akhilesh said that it was necessary to meet energy needs of the state.

The CM also emphasised on the need for purchasing of power through long-term tie-ups and from power surplus states by state-to-state power agreement.

Yadav also directed officials to fill the vacant posts in UP Power Corporation, Power generation corporation and transmission companies.