UP Energy Minister Cracks The Whip On Power Failures And Mismanagement

(MENAFN- KNN India) Lucknow, Mar 28 (KNN) Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma has issued a stern warning to power sector officers, emphasising that negligence and power disruptions will no longer be tolerated.

Speaking at a public event in his hometown of Mau, Sharma outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges and improving electrical service reliability.

Reflecting on the state of the power infrastructure when he assumed ministerial responsibilities, Sharma highlighted significant deterioration, including worn-out power lines, unstable electrical poles, and overloaded transformers.

He noted that previous management strategies of verbal reprimands or sporadic suspensions were ineffective in addressing systemic issues.

In a decisive move, the minister revealed that 3,300 employees have been suspended over the past three years as part of a comprehensive organisational restructuring.

Sharma expressed confidence that these actions would substantially improve power supply consistency in regions including Mau, Ghazipur, and Dohrighat.

The minister set clear operational directives, mandating that areas designated for 24-hour power supply must receive uninterrupted electricity, while regions under an 18-hour supply schedule must strictly adhere to that timeline.

He emphasised that the government has already fulfilled the electricity department's requirements, providing financial resources, equipment, technological support, and sufficient implementation time.

Sharma underscored a recent incident demonstrating the administration's commitment to accountability, where two officials were immediately suspended following a power cut during a public meeting.

This action exemplifies the government's zero-tolerance approach to operational failures.

Expanding on the anti-corruption efforts, the minister disclosed that over 3,300 employees have been removed for corrupt practices.

Approximately 85-90 individuals, including 50 government officials from the power department, have been formally charged.

"There is no place for corruption in Uttar Pradesh, regardless of the department," Sharma warned, signalling a comprehensive crackdown on systemic inefficiencies.

In a colloquial yet pointed statement that captured the administration's new stance, Sharma declared, "Ab agar transformer phukega to afsar bhi phukega" (If a transformer burns out, the responsible officer will also face consequences), highlighting the direct personal accountability now expected from power sector employees.

(KNN Bureau)

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