Kipili Sangtam calls for improvement on revenue collection

DIPR
DIMAPUR, JUNE 25

MINISTER for Power, Kipili Sangtam has urged the Executive Engineers of the state to take proper measures for improvement in revenue collection in the State. He said this during a coordination meeting with EEs and above at Hotel Vivor, Kohima today.
In his address, the Minister stated that available power for the State are distributed in every nook and corner of the State but expressed his regret that consumers are not very sincere in paying their revenue. He therefore urged the EEs to make sure that the ‘Meter Readers’ under them performs their duty honestly so that revenues are also collected accordingly.
Sangtam also expressed his concern over placing of transformers saying that due to installation of under capacity transformer for the specific area, problem often occurs.
On setting up of Anti Power Theft, the Minister said that after implementation of anti power theft unit at Dimapur and Kohima, things have improved. To this, he informed that the department will set up anti power theft unit in all district headquarters, adding that there will be not much problems if it is done properly.
“Avoid loss of life and damage done due to poor maintenance,” he said while cautioning the officers for proper maintenance of the system.
He observed that the installation of pre-paid service for around 1000 consumers at Marwaripatti area in Dimapur have been a great success and the same will be done for 3500 and 2500 consumers at Dimapur and Kohima respectively.
On bifurcation of the department into Transmission and Generation headed by Chief Engineer (T&G) and Distribution and Revenue headed by Additional Chief Engineer, Kipili said “whatever changes have been necessitated in the department will be done and worked out with transparency for healthy functioning.”
Also stressing on the importance of establishing Power Policy, the Minister observed that nothing could be fruitful without having a Power Policy for the State.
“Many MoUs have been signed where private investors have come and discussed. Once a proper Power Policy is been established, things will move smoothly,” he stated.
Chief Engineer Power, Er. K. Miachieo in his address expressed concern over the financial and manpower constraints that hinder the smooth functioning of the department. Stating that there is need for proper restructuring of the department, he requested the higher authority to see to the matter at the earliest. He further urged the officers not to let personal interest supersede the common interest which he said would hamper the interest of the department.
The meeting was chaired by K.I. Yanger, Secretary Power. He congratulated Kipili Sangtam for his alleviation as a Cabinet Minister, while he also expressed hope that the department will march ahead under his leadership.