A serious allegation of unfair billing practices has emerged against the electricity office in Jampuijala under Sepahijala district, sparking concern among residents.
Similar complaints regarding irregularities in electricity billing have previously been reported from different parts of the state, and this latest incident has added to the growing unease.
According to reports, Sushanta Sarkar, a financially struggling farmer from Jugalkishorenagar Raypara ADC Village in Jampuijala subdivision, had taken a new electricity connection a few years ago after building his home. He has alleged that instead of installing a new meter, electricity department staff fitted a previously used meter at his residence.
Sarkar claimed that he had questioned the officials at the time about whether using an old meter could cause any issues. However, he was reportedly assured that there would be no problem. To his shock, in the very first month after getting the connection, he received an electricity bill exceeding ?15,000.
Upon further inquiry, Sarkar discovered that the meter installed at his home already had a significant amount of unpaid dues from its previous user. These arrears were allegedly transferred to his name. When he approached the Jampuijala electricity office, officials reportedly informed him that he would have to clear the outstanding dues linked to the meter.
The situation has left the farmer in distress. Despite his financial hardship, he has managed to pay part of the amount, but more than ?12,000 still remains pending. It is also reported that a new meter has recently been installed at his residence.
Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, Sarkar expressed strong resentment, calling the incident a “planned tactic” by the electricity department to exploit common consumers. He has appealed to the state’s Power Minister to intervene and ensure that the previous dues are immediately removed from his name.
As a poor farmer, he said, it is impossible for him to bear someone else’s electricity bill. The incident has now raised questions about accountability, and it remains to be seen how quickly the state electricity department or the concerned minister responds to the allegations.
