MAPUSA
In the quiet neighbourhood of Ansabhat-Mapusa, a routine day took a surprising turn for Manik Shirodkar.
A field officer from the Mapusa electricity department knocked on her door, not for a routine check, but to disconnect her power supply.
The reason? A delayed payment of just Rs 327.
For Shirodkar, the disconnection came as a shock.
The delay in payment was due to the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, a time when many families are burdened with additional expenses.
“I was caught off guard,” Shirodkar admitted. “There are so many people who owe the government large sums, yet no action is taken against them. But for Rs 327, I had officers at my door to cut off supply.”
Shirodkar’s frustration resonates with many in the area, especially among those who struggle to balance daily expenses.
What seemed like an insignificant delay in paying a modest bill turned into an example of what many see as a heavy-handed approach by the government.
COMMUNITY OUTRAGE
The incident quickly gained attention, drawing the support of former councillor Tushar Tople and social activists Sanjay Barde and Sitesh More, who accompanied Shirodkar to the Electricity Department office to confront senior officials about the harsh treatment.
“The government should be more considerate towards people who are working hard just to survive,” Tople remarked. “Cutting off electricity for non-payment of Rs 327 is nothing short of harassment,” he added.
Social activist Sanjay Barde was quick to point out what he believes is a double standard in the way the government handles such cases.
“There are builders and influential people who owe the government huge amounts for months, and yet no action is taken against them,” Barde said.
“Instead, the government even comes up with special schemes to help them. But when it comes to ordinary people, they’re quick to cut the power.”
WIDESPREAD ISSUE
Shirodkar’s case is not an isolated incident.
The power department recently launched a crackdown in Ansabhat, disconnecting the electricity supply of several households for non-payment of small amounts.
In many cases, residents claim they were not even issued prior notice before their power was cut.
Local resident Sitesh More voiced his concerns over the treatment meted out by some officials from the electricity department.
“They act with arrogance and little regard for the struggles of common people,” More stated.
“A human-centred approach is what we need. The government should not take such harsh and insensitive actions against people who are trying their best to keep up with everyday expenses.”
LARGER QUESTION OF FAIRNESS
The anger within the community highlights a deeper issue “ whether the government’s approach to bill defaulters is fair.
Residents feel that while influential defaulters often go unnoticed or benefit from leniency, ordinary citizens are being penalised for minor delays.
Shirodkar’s situation is a stark reminder of the widening gap between the treatment of the powerful and the struggles of the common people.
Shirodkar's case has become a talking point in Mapusa, with residents calling for greater fairness and empathy from government agencies.
“We hope that this incident sparks a change in how officials handle such situations,” said More.
“Small delays shouldn’t lead to drastic measures like cutting off essential services.”
For now, families like Shirodkar’s are left questioning why they are being made examples, while those who owe far more continue to go unpunished.
