Cong seeks suspension of penalties
MAPUSA
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Media and Communication Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar has criticised the Electricity Department and the BJP government for allegedly failing to properly inform consumers about sanctioned load requirements before imposing penalties.
Panjikar questioned why the department did not directly contact consumers despite having access to their billing addresses, mobile numbers and other contact details.
“If the government genuinely wanted consumers to comply, why were notices limited to newspaper advertisements? Can every electricity consumer be expected to read newspaper notices to avoid penalties?”
he asked.
He said the department could have used several consumer-friendly communication methods, including SMS alerts, WhatsApp messages, inserts with electricity bills, social media campaigns, public announcements and awareness programmes through local bodies.
According to Panjikar, these measures were not used effectively.
“The government’s responsibility is to inform, educate and assist consumers. Instead, it appears more interested in penalising people than helping them comply with the rules,” he said.
He pointed out that lakhs of consumers, especially senior citizens, rural residents and ordinary households, may not have been aware of the technical requirements related to sanctioned load.
Imposing penalties without first ensuring widespread public awareness, he said, was unfair and insensitive.
Panjikar demanded that the Power Minister explain why a comprehensive awareness campaign was not conducted before the penalties were introduced. He urged the government to immediately suspend the penalties and give consumers sufficient time and information to comply.
Stating that people are already struggling with rising living costs, Panjikar said the Congress would continue to support electricity consumers and raise their concerns until the issue is resolved.
