Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 28: The Chairman of Congress Campaign Committee, A&N Islands Mr. TSG Bhasker has expressed his grave concern over the recent tender floated by A&N Administration vide Tender Reference No. M-17051/1/1/2022-EE (NRSE) dated 24.10.2024 for purchase of 100% Shares of the Electricity Department in A&N Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Power Minister and Local Administration Mr. Bhasker condemned the move of the Central Government to privatize the Electricity Department in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He said that privatizing essential services like electricity will only result in the corporate entities prioritizing profit over the welfare of the people.
“It is clear that this decision will lead to higher electricity tariffs for the residents of the Islands. Instead of promoting the interests of a few private players like Adani and Ambani, the Government should ensure that services critical to the well-being of our citizens remain under public control and are used to improve the lives of the common people”, stated Mr. Bhasker.
He added that the future of government employees working in the electricity department is being put at stake. These individuals have dedicated years of service to maintain and improve the power infrastructure in the islands. The privatization plan leaves their job security in jeopardy, creating uncertainty in their livelihoods, which will only damage the overall efficiency of the electricity system in the long run.
He also mentioned that there is a Lack of Transparency in the privatization process as the Request for Proposal (RFP) documents cost Rs. 5,90,000 to access, making scrutiny impossible for common citizens.
He further mentioned that an Earnest Money Deposit of Rs. 23 crore as shown in the tender indicates a project value of approximately 1,150 crores, but no clear details have been provided. Also the mismatch between the 180 days bid validity and a 30 days work period adds to the confusion.
Hence, he requested the Central Government to immediately halt the plan for privatization of the Electricity Department in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and call back the tender which was floated. He said that Congress Party will continue to oppose any attempts to privatize this vital service and shall stage mass demonstrations if the Central Government forcefully and without the consent of Islanders implements privatization.
