DDGBA, GBUD and DUCCF members address the media in Dimapur on May 20. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 20
The gaonburas (GBs) of Dimapur alongwith Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation have expressed resentment over a recent government order, calling for action against GBs opposing prepaid energy. The order, issued by the Home Department on May 16, directed the Dimapur district administration to “ensure that the Government Policy of installing prepaid meter system in Dimapur is implemented and that strict and suitable action is taken against those GBs who are opposing the same.”
On May 20, the Dimapur District Gaonbura Association (DDGBA), Gaonbura Union Dimapur Sadar, and DUCCF jointly decried the government directive. According to the three organisations, it was uncalled for.
Contrary to what the government order has painted of the GBs in Dimapur, DDGBA President, K Hokuto Zhimomi claimed that the GBs and their forums are constructive organisations that have always cooperated with government initiatives. Zhimomi said that the GBs are not against the government initiative towards the installation of smart, prepaid energy meters in Dimapur, but rather want the government to affect the transition in a phased manner.
According to him, the Department of Power Nagaland should accord priority to first installing prepaid meters in the government establishments and commercial assets, before moving on to the domestic consumer domain as envisioned in the Central government initiative. He held that a phased process would enable seamless transition, while it would offset shock among the consumers, accustomed to post-paid energy billing.
Besides, he said that the DoPN should concentrate on improving the distribution infrastructure and revenue collection, while investing in sensitisation of the consumers on the advantages of prepaid energy. He alleged that there are liabilities, or unpaid electricity dues, dating to over 15 years in some government departments.
DUCCF President, Zasivikho Zakiesato held that the GBs should not be targeted for voicing out. According to him, they were initially apprehensive of the prepaid energy initiative and opposed it. But, subsequently were made aware of its advantages. He demanded that there should be stronger sensitisation of the general consumers before transitioning en masse to prepaid energy.
DUCCF Vice President, Wojamo Yanthan held that the DoPN should be making the consumers more informed instead of targeting the GBs. “We are not opposing the move. Our only concern is that there should be the requisite system in place,” he said.
On the DoPN blaming it on the consumers for an ever widening expenditure-revenue margin, he said that the DUCCF has asked the department to report to the colony councils when cases of unpaid power bills by domestic consumers come up. While the consumers get blamed in most instances, he said that the role of the department has also to be considered.
Another DUCCF executive said that the recent government order seems to give the impression that the DoPN is only targeting Dimapur.
Sanitation fee hike
The DUCCF further termed the recent hiking of the Residential Sanitation Fee by the Dimapur Municipal Council illogical. The sanitation fee was enhanced to Rs 80 from the prevailing Rs 60, brought on by what the municipal body said was increased operational costs.
Before the DMC was elected, household waste collection trucks routinely made the rounds 2-3 times a week. After the Councillors took office, it has reduced to once a week, sometimes extending to well over a week before the next round.
