Says officials failed to create awareness, triggering outrage
PANAJI
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president Damodar (Damu) Naik has sharply criticised the Electricity Department for the inflated bills and smart meter rollout controversy and accused officials of mismanaging the issues and also failing to educate the public.
Speaking at a press conference in Panaji, Naik said the department’s lax functioning had triggered confusion and resentment among consumers, even as he noted that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was forced to intervene only because the department failed to handle the matter responsibly.
Naik stressed that introducing new technology or schemes requires proper awareness campaigns.
“Officials should have gone to the people, explained the process, and built trust. Instead, consumers were suddenly handed inflated bills without warning. That is unacceptable,” he said.
He argued that lifestyle changes over the past three decades have increased household electricity demand.
“Earlier, families had limited appliances. Today, homes have air conditioners, geysers, multiple television sets. This naturally raises load requirements. But ordinary consumers don’t understand the legal process of applying for enhanced load. The department should have guided them, visited households, and advised them to regularise usage,” Naik said.
He claimed that the department’s failure to do so directly contributed to the present crisis.
Defending electricity consumers, Naik said they are honest and willing to pay for what they use.
