Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) In a major relief to over 1.25 lakh families in Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday lifted the ban on providing electricity connections to buildings that were issued notices by local bodies for illegal construction and violation of building bye-laws.
After the approval of the Chief Minister, the government has issued the official order. This decision will immediately benefit more than 1.25 lakh families of the capital.
According to the Chief Minister, under the new order, discoms or private power distribution companies can no longer refuse to provide electricity connection merely on the ground that a property has been booked by the Municipal Corporation for unauthorized construction.
He said, a connection can be refused only when the Municipal Corporation formally informs that demolition or sealing action is going on at any property.
The Chief Minister said that this decision has been taken in public interest. Delhi Government is committed to ensuring citizens’ fundamental rights and access to essential services in all circumstances.
As per the instructions of the Chief Minister, the Special Secretary of the Electricity Department has issued the necessary orders.
The Chief Minister said the power department was continuously receiving public complaints that private discoms (electricity distribution companies) had refused or disconnected electricity connections on the grounds that the properties concerned had been “booked” by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for unauthorized construction or notices had been issued.
In many such cases, it was found that even years after the demolition order was issued by the MCD, no action was taken due to various reasons. The Chief Minister said that now properties booked by the Municipal Corporation for unauthorized construction will also be eligible to get electricity connections.
He said lakhs of people have been living in these properties for years but are deprived of electricity connection only due to the status of “booked property”, causing inconvenience and increasing electricity theft in many areas.
He stressed that depriving consumers of basic facilities is not appropriate under any circumstances. This order is an important step towards protecting the fundamental rights of citizens and bringing more transparency in the system.
The Chief Minister further said that the Delhi Government gives priority to transparent governance and citizens’ right to essential services. Therefore, it was necessary to review the matter in consultation with the Law Department and ensure that citizens get legal, safe and regular electricity supply.
–IANS
RCH/UK