Is MahaVitaran Ignoring Consumers' Needs?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nilesh Rane highlights serious operational issues within MahaVitaran.
- Majority of employees are on contract, raising concerns about training and safety.
- Residents of Konkan are facing prolonged power outages.
- Minister Meghana Bordikar promises a meeting to address these issues.
- Legislators call for urgent action and adequate funding for infrastructure improvements.
Mumbai, July 4 (NationPress) Shiv Sena legislator Nilesh Rane on Friday sharply criticized the operations of the state distribution company, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran), highlighting its negligence towards consumers, particularly those in the Konkan region.
During a discussion on a calling attention motion, Rane stated: "Ninety percent of the employees in MahaVitaran are on contract. They receive inadequate training. To date, 11 contractual workers have lost their lives. The situation is dire as consumers endure prolonged power outages."
He directed his ire at Minister of State for Energy Meghana Sakore Bordikar, noting that residents of Sindhudurg district and the larger Konkan area have grown accustomed to power shortages due to MahaVitaran's inaction. Following this, the minister announced plans for a meeting with representatives from the Konkan region to tackle various issues related to MahaVitaran and ensure consistent electricity supply.
Other legislators joined Rane in expressing concerns about the flawed operations of MahaVitaran, calling for urgent action.
Rane conducted a panchnama examining the performance of the electricity distribution company in the Konkan region, particularly in Sindhudurg district.
“For many years, distribution points have been in poor condition. Electricity poles have collapsed. Over the last 15 years, roads have been excavated to install underground wires, yet the work remains unfinished,” he asserted.
He vehemently criticized the delays and shortcomings in MahaVitaran's management and called for sufficient funding to bolster the power supply infrastructure in the Konkan region.
In response to Rane's queries, Minister Meghna Bordikar stated that the installation of underground cables is progressing through the National Cyclone Hazard Mitigation Project, with 225 kilometers out of 635 kilometers completed.
She added that various projects are in progress under the revised distribution area plan. However, Rane expressed dissatisfaction with her response.
“I am aware of the printed reply. Please provide a more substantial answer to my questions,” Rane insisted, demanding a meeting on this pressing issue.
In light of this, Minister Bordikar confirmed a meeting would be held. During the discussion, Rane garnered support from Bhaskar Jadhav (Shiv Sena-UBT) and Rohit Pawar (NCP-SP), both of whom also highlighted the deficiencies of MahaVitaran.