Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD)

Udupi, Aug 9: Janajagrithi Samithi Nandikur, here filed a complaint with Karnataka Lokayukta, on Tuesday August 7, through its advisor Vidya Dinker against PCKL chairperson and the principal secretary, energy department for excess payment of more than Rs 425 crore to UPCL for purchase of power from its unit – 1 between November 11 2010 and May – June 2012.

The Samithi, in its complaint, stated that the state government or any of its entities had no obligation or any authority under the Electricity Act – 2003 to approve an increase in the capital cost or tariff, much less to release payment at a price higher than that approved by CERC and as agreed in PPA. Whereas in this case, not only is the enhanced rate of 3.127 higher than that asked for at 2.4, the payment has also been made to UPXL. Under no circumstances the release of payment could have been considered at a rate higher than 2.25 per unit.

The Samithi pleaded that it is of utmost importance that the Lokayukta initiates a speedy enquiry and suitable action against the senior public servants and any others who may have colluded with the private power company against citizens and hapless power consumers in the state.