WHO IS RESPONSIBLE??
Yesterday, India became a net exporter of electricity for the first time in the history. Now, India has surplus power and exports to its neighbours. This is a proud moment for every Indian. Somehow, along with being proud, we felt a bit angry, sad and upset by the news.
Despite having surplus power, even our cities don't have 24 hr electricity (except a few capital cities)...not to talk of towns or villages. Its like a house which has a surplus of food , but hasn't enough means to feed itself.
So who is responsible ? What is the reason behind it ??
Electricity generation can be ensured by the central government, but distribution is the matter of state government. Unfortunately ever since independence, electricity boards of various states , rather ALL the states, are hub of corruption.
The transmission system, technology and equipments belonging to electricity deptt date back to 1940s in most of the towns and villages. Be it transformer, wires, or distribution system, there literally has been next to zero upgradation since the independence.
Now the question is why no upgradation ?
First, due to politicisation, tariff has remained so low that all the electricity boards are under massive loss. Currently state electricity boards are so poor that they cannot buy electricity from centre.
Due to this loss, there has been no technical upgradation, leading to transmission loss, damage and various technical problems leading to load shedding. Unfortunately, except Gujarat none of the state even tried to improve electricity distribution all across the state.
Another reason is us. Yes, we the people are responsible for it. Everytime the govt wants to increase even a few paise per unit, you go on the roads and start protesting. Rather for "free bijli", you give votes to a party.... You will have to choose one - free power supply, or 24 hour power supply. Remember, service comes at a cost.
Also, manipulating meter, using hooks, stealing power, not paying bills.... As long as you don't take responsibility, you should not expect anything better.
Electricity generation and efficient transmission are very costly and technologically advanced processes. You can't get it for free.
So, if u have to hold anyone responsible, hold ur STATE GOVT responsible for ur misery in poor electricity supply...and even more than that, yourself. Hope people take the responsibility and also force state govts to pull up their socks. Then only we can utilise surplus power the way it should be.
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