Keonjhar: BPL people in remote pockets of Keonjhar district were upset over slow pace of electrification in their areas under free and subsidized electrification schemes.
As rural electrification gets delayed, resentment brews among the poor who are entitled to free electricity or power at subsidized rates.
About 80 people’s representatives from 19 villages under Sadar, Jhumpura and Bansapal blocks met Nesco authorities and demanded power supply to their houses.
They alleged that since they were poor, Nesco and the administration do not take their problem seriously. They said some unknown people collect amounts between Rs 50 and Rs 100 from tribal people for electricity connection. Many tribal people have even paid Rs 1500 for the purpose in Bansapal block.
Poles have been erected in some villages about a year ago, but wires have not been drawn.
“We were promised electricity, but nothing has happened over years,” said tribal leader Ganesh Chandra Munda.
He said they have taken permission from police for an agitation even as the Collector has been apprised of the same. They alleged that due to apathy of the Nesco, many villagers had been left out of electrification.
They warned of an agitation if no immediate step is taken by the administration.
PNN