Power tariff bandh evokes lukewarm response

The bandh called by power consumers across Odisha demanding immediate rollback of tariff hike and audit by CAG of accounts of electricity distribution companies evoked lukewarm response today.
The dawn-to-dusk shut-down called by Bidyut Upabhokta Mahasangh and backed by opposition political parties and labour unions remained peaceful with protesters staging demonstrations in different places, police said.
"Increase in power tariff announced recently must be rolled back forthwith to safeguard the interest of the poor and farmers," Mahasangh President Panchanan Kanungo said.
Life generally remained unaffected during the 12-hour shutdown as shops and business establishments were open and vehicular movement was normal in most places though some educational institutions shut down as a precaution.

Security was tightened in view of the bandh as supporters of the shut-down held picketing and demonstrations near government offices, particularly power offices, in support of their demand.
In the state capital of Bhubaneswar, the protesters staged a demonstrations while over 50 persons were taken into preventive custody in the city, the police said.

Similar reports were received from places including Cuttack, Balasore and Berhampur as the Mahasangh had announced its plan for peaceful picketing and demonstrations outside block offices, sub divisional and district headquarters, electricity offices, State Secretariat and State Assembly.
Essential services like ambulance, hospital and health sector, fire brigade, water supply and milk supply were exempted from the bandh which was supported by opposition political parties, including Congress, BJP, CPI-M and Samajwadi Party, soruces said.

Leaders of the Mahasangh said Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) and the state government should explain why they have decided to put the power tariff burden on the consumers instead of collecting huge power dues from the three power distribution companies - Southco, Nesco and Wesco - whose licences were revoked recently.
Alleging irregularities in power distribution companies, they said thorough audit must be conducted in their accounts by the CAG.
Though the state government yesterday announced its decision to file a review petition before OERC seeking a roll back in the proposed increase of tariff pertaining to agriculture, protesters said increased in tariff for all categories of consumers must be withdrawn.