Chief Electoral Officer S Murali Krishna notice to Gujarat government over power scheme

The state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Tuesday issued a notice to the state government in the wake of the announcement of an One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for permanently disconnected power connections two days before the by-election to Jasdan assembly seat.

"We have taken suo motu cognizance of the announcement, and have issued a notice to the Energy and Petrochemicals department. We have asked for explanation behind the move when the Model Code of Conduct is in force because of the Jasdan by-poll," state's CEO S Murali Krishna told DNA.

He also said that when the Code is in force, the government is required to consult the Election Commission before making any such announcements, but no consultation happened in this case.

"We are expecting a response latest by tomorrow morning," he added.

Announcing the OTS scheme, energy minister Saurabh Patel told reporters in the morning that 6.22 lakh power consumers, whose connections have been permanently disconnected, would be able to avail benefit of the scheme, which will remain in effect from December 19 to February 28.

The total pending dues in these cases are to the tune of Rs 625 crore, and the average works out to be a little more than Rs10,000. The minister said that the dues, including interest charge, would be waived off on payment of Rs 500.

A government official clarified that consumers would have to pay the required charges for a fresh power connection.

The scheme would cover domestic, commercial and agricultural power connections in rural areas, while in urban areas, only BPL residential consumers would be eligible. Industrial connections are not eligible under the scheme.

The announcement also did not please the Opposition Congress, which described it as a lollipop before the by-poll in view of BJP's defeat in recent assembly elections.

"We welcome any announcement that benefits farmers and common man, but few people will benefit from this scheme. It has been announced only with an eye on Jasdan election," state Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said.

DOLING IT OUT

• The total power cut cases pending are to the tune of Rs 625 crore, and the average works out to be a little over Rs 10,000 
   
• Energy minister Saurabh Patel said that the dues, including interest charge, would be waived off on payment of Rs  500. The scheme will be in effect from Dec 19 to Feb 28