CM wants MeECL to expedite billing process

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma wanted MeECL to adopt an efficient and timely billing for electricity charges after the Opposition members in the Assembly on Friday pointed out the delay in the billing pattern.
During the Question Hour, the Chief Minister said that the government has provided support to MeECL to adopt technology for pre-paid system of billing for the consumers of Shillong and Tura to start with.
The Chief Minister also cited the franchisee model being followed in West Khasi Hills which according to him is an encouraging sign as the Electricity Act 2003 has the provision for this. The franchisee model run by the consumers makes it easy for collection and payment of bills.
Earlier, answering questions raised by HSPDP members Ardent Basaiawmoit and K P Pangniang and Titosstarwell Chyne (UDP), Power Minister Clement Marak said that the government is aware that in some areas, even before electricity was provided, bills were sent.
“This has happened due to oversight, and the error will be corrected,” he said.
Replying to a question on the delay in the billing for the beneficiaries of RGGVY scheme, the Minister said that the delay was due to the pending verification of beneficiaries in the remote and inaccessible villages. Moreover, there was acute shortage of staff for billing under Revenue Sub Division.
The Minister also said that billing was to be done under distribution franchisee, but the franchisee did not come forward in spite of repeated advertisements. Another factor for the delay according to the Minister was unavailability of public transport to reach remote and interior villages including those along both inter-state and International borders.
To a supplementary question, the Minister said that the company which is executing the RGGVY scheme is trying to increase manpower.