Odisha Deputy CM Stresses Swift Recovery of Pending Electricity Duties from Industries

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also oversees the portfolios of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, chaired a crucial review meeting to address the recovery of pending electricity duties from industrial units.

The review focused on arrears accumulated from industrial units’ self-generation and consumption of electricity. Officials provided a detailed analysis of the pending dues and outlined the challenges hindering their collection.

One of the significant roadblocks discussed was the ongoing legal disputes, many of which are pending in the High Court of Orissa and other judicial forums. These cases primarily revolve around claims for exemptions from electricity duties, delaying the recovery process.

Singh Deo emphasized the need for decisive action to recover the dues, urging the Energy Department to prioritize resolving the pending cases. He directed officials to consult closely with the Advocate General of Odisha and the Advisor to the Energy Department to expedite legal resolutions and ensure effective recovery measures.

Key attendees at the meeting included Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary of the Energy Department; Sanjay Sen, Advisor to the Energy Department; Pyari Mohan Mishra, EIC (Elect)-cum-PCEI; and other senior officials, who pledged to intensify efforts in addressing the issue.