the goan I network
MARGAO
Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Thursday said that he will not take power supply from Karnataka to South Goa till the new 400 KV sub station at Dharbandora is commissioned in the next 3-4 years, even as he maintained that people will have to pay more for good quality power 24x7.
He further reminded the local power consumers that their counterparts in other states have to contend with power shutdowns almost every evening. That’s not all. He said power consumers in Goa are very fortunate than their counterparts, who pay higher power tariff compared to Goa.
The Power Minister further pointed out that the State government has no control over the FPPCA charges, saying these charges are being levied by the Centre depending on the cost of fuel prices.
During an interaction with the media, Cabral pointed out that after last week’s incident wherein South Goa had to go without power for two days and nights, the entire load from Karnataka has been diverted via Maharashtra to South Goa.
“I am not going to take Karnataka connection even if the power supply from the State improves till the 400 KV sub station at Dharbandora is commissioned within 3-4 years. Some people have started writing that the line will pass through their fields. I want to say that the department is working on three lines and the most feasible will be decided,” he said, adding that the line towers will be erected between Dharbandora and Xeldem to ensure uninterrupted power supply to South Goa.
Pointing out that he has brought out a White Paper on the power scenario in the State, Cabral said Goans are far better compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the country. “In neighbouring states, households have to contend with power shutdowns almost every evening. Here in Goa, we resort to power shutdowns only for industries. We don’t touch the hotels, because Goa is different. Again, let me tell you, Goans are paying less charges compared to their counterparts. People should appreciate this,” he said, adding that the increase in the FPPCA charges are not in the hands of the State government as it is the Centre who levies depending on fuel price ratio every three months.
Saying that he is the only Power Minister to bring out a White Paper on the State’s power scenario, Cabral said the Power department is geared up for anything and everything during the monsoons.
“There are power problems facing the State. I am not a magician to rectify the situation overnight. I attend to the phone calls and messages of the people and I feel that it is enough for the people that someone is listening to their grievances,” he said, while making clear that the State government does not discriminate between ruling and opposition represented constituencies.
Referring to criticism from Navelim about the poor scenario in the village, Cabral pointed out that the department will shortly float a
Rs 61 crore tender to tone up the power infrastructure in
the village.
Staff to get reward for hard work,
reprimand for non-performance
MARGAO: Power Minister Nilesh Cabral on Thursday said department employees will either receive a pat on their backs for good work or a reprimand by way of reduction in salaries for poor performance.
He told the media that the department will soon come up with a policy wherein employees working hard will be rewarded with increments, warning that those found lax in their duties may have to contend with deduction in their payments.
“I am soon coming up with a policy wherein those working hard will get a reward by way of increments, while the salaries of those found wanting in their duties will be deducted,” he said, adding ‘there’s a misconception that once you become a government servant, your salaries will automatically go on increasing irrespective of one’s performance’.
