Nirupam seeks reforms in power distribution scenario in Mumbai

AICC Secretary and Mumbai North MP Sanjay Nirupam today demanded introduction of power reforms to end the monopolisation of purchase and distribution of electricity.
Nirupam, who had recently undertaken a four-day hunger strike to demand reduction in power tariff in Mumbai, said the power reforms must address issues of functioning, costing, pricing of discoms (distribution companies) like RInfra and TATA so that consumers become ultimate beneficiaries of privatisation of the power sector.
In a letter to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Nirupam said the government must take steps to revamp the constitution and functioning of the regulator/appellate authority.
He urged Chavan to resolve the demands, including that of scrapping of various charges in the electricity bills, extending subsidy to electricity consumers of Mumbai and audit of the discoms.

"Your initiative to provide relief to more than 26 lakh electricity consumers will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of the common people of Mumbai," he said adding that the government should work towards providing relief to the electricity consumers, especially those of RInfra.
He alleged that there was a nexus between the regulator and RInfra and demanded a thorough investigation by appropriate agency to unearth complicity between them.
In the absence of any real competition in suburban Mumbai, there is absolutely no justifiable reason why there is an inordinate delay in approving the request of 8 lakh consumers to switch to TATAs by the appellate authority, he said.

"Why should Reliance object to the migrations and why should any authority entertain the objections," he asked.