Bhubaneswar: Amid public outrage across Odisha over the alleged 'power outage' during the ongoing summer season, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today came down heavily on the State Government holding it responsible for the inconvenience being faced by the people.

"While several other states generate electricity with coal from Odisha, the people of the state are experiencing power deficit situation despite presence of abundant coal and hydroelectricity projects. This a failure on the part of the state government," the minister said.

"Ministers and secretaries are making statements against each other over this matter. This is an example of administrative failure," he said.

"Odisha has become a governance deficit state. The elected representatives of the ruling party are not carrying out their duties. They are busy in campaigns," said Pradhan.

"The government must have signed agreement with the discoms regarding proper supply of electricity to the people. The government should implement the agreement," the union minister said.

"The people are suffering in the scorching summer despite paying taxes and electricity bill. Such situations usually arise when administrative system collapses," he added.

Notably, the State Government has already asked Tata Power to take effective measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity services.