Curb Power Theft:AIPEF opposes privatization and franchisee.

BHUBANESWAR: Privatisation and franchisee in the power sector has miserably failed to achieve any of its objectives and therefore there should be a review of the policies of central and state governments, said Shaliender Dubey Chairman All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF).

A seminar was also held at Bhubaneswar   on the topic “Electricity Distribution: Is Privatisation the Panacea”. The seminar was addressed by  Soumya Ranjan Patnaik , MP and Chief Editor , The Sambad  ,  Panchanan Kanungo ex  Finance Minister Odisha  , Shaliender  Dubey  Chairman AIPEF  and  Ratnakar Rao  Secretary General AIPEF and other state  leaders. Representatives from different states    participated in the meeting and discussed the Electricity amendment bill 2018 and reprivatisation attempt of Odisha distribution sector.

The speakers at the seminar stressed that instead of privatisation, effort should be made to address the issues plaguing the power sector. It was opined that  after investing thousands of crore  of rupees in distribution sector for infrastructure development , there is no need for privatisation and  Government  should now focus for 100%  metering and LT cabling to curb power  theft. Odisha’s experience with Privatisation had been nothing short of disaster

Kanungo former Finance Minister Orissa said that there is a need of conducting CAG audit and energy audit to nab the culprits indulging in theft in power sector. This is necessary to maintain good quality power supply. 

Electricity Amendment bill 2018 is being tabled in Parliament without discussion with engineers and employees. It is well known to government that the performance of the earlier private companies and franchisees is miserable and still wants to go for privatisation of power distribution sector. 

AIPEF in its federal executive meeting held here has decided to actively support power engineers and employees in their movement against privatisation of power distribution in Orissa. .AIPEF has appealed to Odisha Chief Minister to use his good offices and intervene in the matter so that no power utility is privatized in the larger interest of the state and power sector.[Punjab News Express]