Massive drive needed

The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has for the first of its kind initiated action against the consumers, who have been recently connected with the smart meters as the authorities have disconnected the electricity supply to over 1300 consumers in a single day, which indicates that the KPDCL has tightened its noose against the defaulters. But, one fails to understand why the department is playing dilly-dallying tactics in taking action against the persons, whose names were even made public a few years back and who were categorized in the list of chronic defaulters. What action is being taken against the consumers, who despite having the sources, don’t bother to pay their pending bills from the past several years. The reports have mentioned that KPDCL is overburdened with huge arrears on account of domestic electricity dues of around 804 Cr and this sample base of 1329 defaulters had accumulated arrears to the tune of Rs 12.67Cr. At this juncture, the KPDCL has to begin a massive drive against the defaulters and ensure that all those who are enjoying ‘free’ electricity supply are taken to the task. It is the time when the government has to bring transparency in this regard too and ensure that those who don’t comply with the directions will face the wrath. There is a need to continue this drive against all the defaulters and ensure that no one excluding the downtrodden section of the society is spared. The government, besides announcing an amnesty scheme for the consumers, should take some more favorable steps for the consumers, who belong to the downtrodden section of the society so that they could heave a sigh of relief.