The recent 3.5 per cent increase in power tariff in Goa has sparked significant controversy and debate in the state’s Legislative Assembly.
The Opposition parties have vehemently opposed this hike, alleging that it is a retaliatory move by the ruling BJP government following the loss of the prestigious South Goa seat in the recent Loksabha polls.
However, it is crucial to delve deeper into the matter and assess whether the power tariff hike is indeed justified.
One of the primary contentions raised by the Opposition is the alleged connection between the power tariff hike and the election outcome.
They argue that the BJP government’s decision to raise the power tariff is linked to the electoral defeat in South Goa.
However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that such a correlation is tenuous at best.
The government’s victory in the North Goa Seat by a significant margin of over one lakh votes effectively undermines the claim that the power tariff hike is a form of retribution for losing the South Goa seat by a narrow margin of just 15000 votes.
As such, the justification put forth by the Opposition lacks substantial merit.
While it is undeniable that the power tariff hike places an additional financial burden on the residents of Goa, it is imperative to acknowledge the broader context of the state’s power sector.
The government, on the other hand, must understand that there are significant arrears amounting to over Rs 1,000 crore from power consumers who have evaded payment, including government departments. Why not recover this amount? This will help the government shed financial burden.
Additionally, the misclassification of consumers, particularly commercial properties being billed at domestic rates, has been highlighted as a prevailing issue. This irregularity not only contributes to substantial revenue loss but also unfairly distributes the financial burden among law-abiding citizens who diligently pay their bills.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the government has clarified that the decision to hike the power tariff is not within its purview. Rather, the regulatory authority for the power sector, JERC, mandated the increase.
It is crucial for the public discourse to recognize and consider the regulatory framework governing such decisions, which extends beyond the scope of political manoeuvring.
The controversy surrounding the power tariff hike in Goa demands a comprehensive and nuanced evaluation.
With the rise in power bills, water bills, and LPG price hikes, to the soaring prices of petrol, diesel, fish, milk, and vegetables, the burden on the common man seems to be increasing with every passing day. This sharp surge in prices has left people wondering how to make ends meet and provide for their families.
The increase in power bills has had a direct impact on the monthly expenses of every household. The common man is constantly striving to strike a balance between usage and cost. Many are forced to limit their usage, compromising their standard of living, while others struggle to keep up with the payments.
It is imperative that the Goa CM along with Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar discuss the issues and reach a solution as currently, the hike seems too steep.
