Outrage in Assam: Tea Estate Workers in Margherita Expose Massive Electricity Scam, Demand Urgent Investigation
Residents of the Powai tea estate in Margherita, Assam, have alleged a significant electricity bill scam totaling Rs 29 lakh, blaming the discrepancies on the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). The workers claim the fraud occurred between 2018 and 2023 under Jayanta Parmanik, a contractual employee responsible for meter readings and monetary collections.
Parmanik was tasked with collecting the power charges, which were deducted from the workers’ fortnightly salaries by the estate management. Despite consistent deductions, the workers found that the substantial Rs 29 lakh collected was never deposited into the government treasury, leading to serious concerns about misappropriation.
Shiban Goswami, Manager of APDCL’s Margherita Electrical Subdivision, has refused to comment on these allegations. The issue came to a head when digital meters introduced during the Lok Sabha elections, following a government declaration of a fee waiver for tea workers, resulted in inconsistent and exorbitant bills. Some workers, previously billed around Rs 500 monthly, saw sudden spikes up to Rs 25,000.
This situation has left the tea workers in shock, compounded by ongoing pressure from APDCL through online bill reminders about outstanding amounts. In response, educated youth of the Powai tea estate are calling for a high-level government investigation into the missing Rs 29 lakh, suspecting misappropriation by those involved.
Such allegations underscore a pressing need for transparency and accountability within APDCL, as the community seeks justice and resolution to the financial discrepancies that have heightened their plight.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/assam-tea-estate-workers-in-margherita-allege-major-electricity-scam-worth-lakhs-demand-probe-1060662-2024-07-30?utm_source=rssfeed
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