Lucknow, Nov 15(UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday started installing of pre-paid power meters in the official residences of all ministers, legislators and officials in order to check non-payment of electricity dues which has crossed Rs 13,000 crore.
The launching programme was held at the official residence of state Power minister Srikant Sharma here where a pre-paid meter was installed in the presence of senior officials including Principal secretary(Power) Arvind Kumar.
Speaking to media, Mr Sharma said, "The dues on government offices and accommodations have crossed Rs 13,000 crore. To recover such a whopping amount, we have launched the option of depositing money in installments. We have also ordered one lakh prepaid metres which will be installed in government offices, residences occupied by politicians and bureaucrats."
"It is very important that people pay their electricity bills on time. This will help us in providing uninterrupted power supply in both rural and urban areas at reasonable rates," Mr Sharma added.
Meanwhile, according to the information given by the power department, the irrigation department has a pending bill of Rs 2,656 crore. The urban development department owes Rs 3636.18 crore.
In order to keep a check on power theft, the UP Power Corporation Limited has opened 68 dedicated power police stations.The job of these cops would only be to keep a check on power theft and take action against the offenders.
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