Electricity bills means of extortion in rural Garo Hills, claims Bernard

TURA, Aug 11: Tura MDC Bernard Marak has claimed that exorbitant electricity bills, even for families under below poverty line (BPL), has dealt a severe blow to the people of the rural belt of Garo Hills “The Centre’s Saubhagya scheme, which we know as BPL lines, is aimed to provide electricity to the poor families in the rural areas. However, this has now become a burden to the rural folk due to high rates slapped on them,” Bernard said in a statement.
The BJP vice president added that bills were now becoming a method of extorting money from the poor.
“Even smart metres are being installed without permission from the villagers. Those who install smart metres which are often faulty, then get exorbitant bills. They have to pay them as no relief comes through from the office in spite of lodging complaints,” he added.
Bernard asserted that the BJP government provided last mile free metered connection despite which so many anomalies have risen in the rural belt.
“Tribals do not have to pay taxes in Meghalaya but indirect taxes have been imposed on the pretext of providing services in electricity, mobile etc.
The central government has sanctioned funds for rural electrification for the poor but the poor are being victimized by the departments. The way the bills are being slapped on the poor families, it looks like full-fledged exploitation and looting of the simple-minded tribals,” alleged Bernard.
The Tura MDC alleged that some families were receiving bills despite there being no electricity in their houses.
“In some villages, the families received exorbitant bills without electricity connection, and in some, there was no power for a month despite which the bills remain high. Some widows complained of receiving bills as high as Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000 per month. The state government should stop imposing such exorbitant rates on the poor in the guise of bills. Poor villagers use electricity as a necessity not as a luxury,” he added.