Letter written by Com. Krushna Bhoyar, General Secretary, Maharashtra State Electricity Workers Federation (MSEWF) to Chairman & Managing Director of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL)
If MSEDCL is divided and a separate agricultural company is established, it will be difficult to implement the policy that gives cross subsidy to famers for electricity rates and that gives rise to the great possibility of increased electricity rates. It is the social responsibility of the state to provide electricity to farmers at subsidised rates. Similarly, the government must from time to time pay the MSEDCL for electricity supplied at subsidised rates. Without this, the electricity industry under the government will not survive.
(Translation of Marathi letter into English)
Ref. No.: Workers’ Federation/General Secretary/Panvel/02
Date: 12/01/2022
To,
The Honourable Chairman and Managing Director,
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL)
Prakashgad, Bandra (East) Mumbai
Subject: Regarding division of MSEDCL and establishing a separate company for agricultural consumers
Reference: Discussions held by the Board of Directors of the Maharashtra State Electricity Holding (Parent) Company and the news published in various newspapers ad media channels
Sir,
You as well as the management are aware that for the past two years, various distribution companies in the electricity industry are in financial difficulty due to a variety of reasons. You know the reasons why they are in financial difficulty. During the corona pandemic the electricity workers in the state have ensured a continuous 24 hour electricity supply as well as notched up a record collection of dues and shown their efficiency. The arrears from agricultural consumers are a cause of worry. However, the employees and engineers in the electricity industry are not responsible for this. It is the effect of government policies as well as the calls given by various political parties to the electricity consumers to not settle their dues. However, the MSEDCL has been hit by it.
For the past one year there has been an ongoing discussion about dividing MSEDCL and establishing a separate company for agricultural electricity consumers. We understand that such a discussion was recently held in the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Maharashtra State Electricity Holding (Parent) Company. In the light of this discussion various newspapers and media channels have propagated the news that MSEDCL will be divided. If MSEDCL is divided and a separate agricultural company is established, it will be difficult to implement the policy that gives cross subsidy to famers for electricity rates and that gives rise to the great possibility of increased electricity rates. The government and administration cannot deny the fact that if the tariff increases, the farmers in Maharashtra will not be able to use electricity and farmers’ suicides will greatly increase. It is the social responsibility of the state to provide electricity to farmers at subsidised rates. Similarly, the government must from time to time pay the MSEDCL for electricity supplied at subsidised rates. Without this, the electricity industry under the government will not survive.
The Maharashtra State Electricity Workers Federation is opposed to any attempt to divide the MSEDCL. We request that if any changes are to be made they should be decided only n the basis of discussion with workers’ organisation.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed)
Com. Krushna Bhoyar,
General Secretary
CC to:
1) Hon. Energy Minister, Maharashtra State Mantralay, Mumbai.
2) Hon. Energy Minister of State, Maharashtra State Mantralay, Mumbai.
3) Hon. Chief Energy Secretary, Maharashtra State Mantralay, Mumbai.
4) Hon. Director, Operations / Projects / Commerce MSEDCL Prakashgad, Mumbai.
5) Hon. Chief Relations Officer, MSEDCL Mumbai.
6) Hon. President / Working President / Additional General Secretary / Vice President / Joint Secretary Maharashtra State Electricity Workers Federation