Odisha Govt asks colleges to clear pending electricity dues amounting to over Rs 51L

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Higher Education Department has written a letter to Principals of several Government colleges in different districts to clear arrears of electricity dues of their respective institutions.

The department’s move came after Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPCODL) intimidated the former that there are huge outstanding dues towards electricity bill lying with many Government colleges.

As on May 21, total arrear outstanding accrued was around Rs 51.29 Lakh against 68 consumers under the department, TPCODL had mentioned in the letter.

“COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the economic position of TPCODL: The revenue collection of TPCODL in April and May has deteriorated due to non-payment of electricity dues by some consumes. As we work round the clock to ensure 24*7 power supply to consumers, it will encourage us if bill are paid on time,” the DISCOM’s letter read.

Taking up the matter on urgent basis, the Higher Education Department yesterday wrote to Principals of Angul Autonomous College, Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College, Jatiya Kabi Bira Kishore Govt (Degree) College, Dhenkanal Autonomous College,  Dhenkanal Government Women’s College, BJB Autonomous College, Rajdhani College,  SCS Autonomous College and Puri Government Women’s College asking them to clear the dues.

Department Deputy Secretary Snigdha Champatiray asked the Principals to meet the expense from  allotment placed at disposal of DDOs of concerned colleges under the unit -074 electricity. The official also suggested the Principals  to report to the department with requirements of funds, If there is insufficiency of funds.