Bhagalpur, Bihar: The questionable action of the Bhagalpur electricity department has raised concerns. The department is not offering proper facilities to the consumers of the locations where it is generating the maximum amount of revenue. The consumers are in distress with the time it takes to fix any kind of problem; instead of 30-40 minutes, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
According to the superintending engineer of the Bhagalpur Supply Area, Ritu Abhishek, “The headquarters have been requested to increase the number of manpower and vehicles.”
What is the Reason behind the Questionable Lack in the Bhagalpur Electricity Department?
Consumers are raising objections regarding the time it takes to fix any kind of electrical problem, despite the handsome revenue. This is happening because of the lack of resources and manpower compared to the number of consumers. The vehicles are not being provided to go and fix and fault. In such cases, the workers have to carry a ladder on their shoulders and utilize bicycles, so it inevitably takes a lot of time to visit the place, fix the issue, and return.
There are 53990 consumers in Aliganj subdivision, 36,322 consumers in Tilkamajhi subdivision, 39032 in Mojahidpur subdivision, and 20516 in Nathnagar subdivision. Among these, Tilkamanjhi has the largest area, including Mayaganj, Civil Surgeon, Bhikhanpur, Medical College, Jail, and Barari sub-centres.
In Tilkamajhi subdivision, 32 manpower and six linemen have been deputed. In one shift, one or two linemen and two to three men are assigned on duty. 19 manpower and five linemen have been deputed in the Mojhadipur subdivision. 27 manpower and four linemen have been deputed for Nathnagar, Champanagar, and University sections. Their duty is assigned section-wise for 8 hours each.
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Department Receives 336 Crores Annual Revenue
The primary concern in this matter is, the Bhagalpur Electricity Department receives 28 crores per month from urban areas, i.e., 336 crores annual revenue. The department generates maximum revenue from the Tilkamajhi subdivision – more than 3 crores from other subdivisions. Despite this huge revenue, the shortage of manpower and the unavailability of vehicles are causing problems.
There is only one vehicle each for the Tilkamanjhi and Majahidpur subdivisions. The employees are demanding two more vehicles in the Tilkamajhi subdivision, considering its area. Although one vehicle has been provided on rent, it remains out of order for 12 days a month. Moreover, there is no vehicle to reach the areas connected to CS and Bhikhanpur. In this case, ladders have to be carried on the shoulder over an area of 7-8 kilometers.
According to the Superintending Engineer of the Bhagalpur Supply Area, the senior officials have been requested to increase the manpower and the number of vehicles. Any kind of negligence in fixing faults will not be tolerated.
