Balasore: Tribals living in Dumdumi village under Jaleswar block have been receiving monthly bills from Nesco even though they do not get supply of electricity in their homes. They have expressed deep concern over the issue.
Locals said, “Utility poles have been set up in the village, wires were drawn and meters fixed in our houses; but no bulb or fan is working. The meters are defunct.”
Strangely, staff from Nesco visit the village every month and issue them the bills. The bill amount is mounting every month.
For instance, an electricity bill of Rs 6,000 is pending in the name of Sita Marandi, Rs 4,000 against Paran Marandi; Rs 3,000 against Natha Hansda, and bill amounts in thousands in the names of several other villagers including Bhim Hansda, Durga Kisku, Laxmi Murmu, Palu Marandi, Atul Marandi and Lopa Hansda.
The locals said they have taken up the issue with local leaders and Nesco authorities, but to no avail. Executive engineer of Jaleswar Nesco office, Narendra Das, said electricity would be supplied to the tribal village within eight days and the bills issued so far will be waived.
