Port Blair, Mar 16: The CPI(M) today demanded CBI inquiry into severe power crisis being faced by Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Following breakdown of DG sets in Suryachakra Power Corporation Limited (SPCL) entire South Andaman region is facing two hour scheduled power cut and several hours of unscheduled power cut during exam season.
“We demand CBI inquiry into the entire gamut of the issue of SPCL to find out as to how the government money has been loaned to a private firm and how the private firm took the extreme step of shutting down the power generators during this Board Examination period. This will further expose the officials and other involved in the matter,” Mr. B Chandrachoodan, the State Secretary of CPI(M) told ‘Andaman Sheekha’ today.
Meanwhile the CPI(M) has written a letter to the Home Minister of India to demand an immediate CBI probe into the issue.
“Crores of rupees are being paid to the said firm every year for purchasing power from them. Now, it has been reported to us that the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in a very objectionable manner, has given a loan of Rs. 4 crores to the said private firm which they have repaid to the Administration after one year for maintenance of their power generation sets. Now, it was reported to us that the said firm has again approached the Administration for another loan of Rs. 5 crores for maintenance of power sets even though such a provision does not exist in the Power Purchase Agreement,” Mr. Chandrachoodan added.
The CPI(M) alleged that this power cut has caused great loss to the students who are appearing in CBSE Board Examination.
“Now, Board Examinations for the students are going on, the Electricity Department has imposed a two-hour load shedding at Port Blair and rural South Andaman areas, which badly affected the studies of the students. There is grave concern among the parents and students over the fate of the children who are appearing the Board Examination in the schools,” he added.
However the A & N Administration has already clarified that the request for Rs. 5 Crore load has already been rejected by the Administration.
“All this problems started because of this Rs 5 crore loan. We are not defaulting even a single month a single day payment. Don’t ask loan if you have any other purpose or you have any claws, tell me. Every month an amount of 35 to 40 lakhs rupees is paid to the SPCL without any delay,” Mr. Jalaj Srivastava, Principal Secretary (Power) told Andaman Sheekha yesterday.
