SILIGURI: Impasse over pending state Government revenue of over Rs 100 crore in Darjeeling hills is developing yet another major knot in the already complicated socio political scenario there. While under a 'too bad economical health' situation, West Bengal state Government cannot waive it, Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, the party that initiated the issue, cannot accept it.
Revenue generating avenues of Government remained prime targets of GJM that initiated the 'Non payment of bills' since April 2008 as a part of its non cooperation movement demanding separate Gorkhaland statehood for Darjeeling hills. It was withdrawn in 18th July 2011 following signing of a tri-partite agreement to form separate administrative body Gorkhalnad Territorial Administration(GTA) between GJM, WB state Government and Center. It was developed under strong persuasion of state's ruling party Trinamool Congress that develop an electoral handshaking too with GJM by then.
One of the largest sufferers on this non cooperation was West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL). "The receivable, mostly from domestic and commercial sectors in Darjeeling hills, got piled up to Rs 102 crore till June 2011." said WBSEDCL officials.
"There is a drive to recover pending receivables. And as per usual system, we disconnect defaulter lines," said WBSEDCL Siliguri Zonal manager Mr. A Singh. But, the drive is being enforced for post July 2011 bills only- as there is no clear cut directive on the pervious overdue of over Rs 102 crore- accepted officials.
"We have demanded a waiver of the old pending bills. Hope state Government will consider our demand," said GJM thinktank and MLA from Kalimpong Dr. H B Chhetri.
Now, in case the state waives that, as per Indian Electricity Act 2003, state Government will have to compensate entire pending electricity bill amount that is tough- explained the officials.
On the other side, the GJM also cannot direct its members to repay the amount as that would cause definite avalanche in its supportbase putting a big question on its very existence in the hills. GJM cannot afford to invite that before state rural body election.
One of the largest sufferers on this non cooperation was West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL). "The receivable, mostly from domestic and commercial sectors in Darjeeling hills, got piled up to Rs 102 crore till June 2011." said WBSEDCL officials.
"There is a drive to recover pending receivables. And as per usual system, we disconnect defaulter lines," said WBSEDCL Siliguri Zonal manager Mr. A Singh. But, the drive is being enforced for post July 2011 bills only- as there is no clear cut directive on the pervious overdue of over Rs 102 crore- accepted officials.
"We have demanded a waiver of the old pending bills. Hope state Government will consider our demand," said GJM thinktank and MLA from Kalimpong Dr. H B Chhetri.
Now, in case the state waives that, as per Indian Electricity Act 2003, state Government will have to compensate entire pending electricity bill amount that is tough- explained the officials.
On the other side, the GJM also cannot direct its members to repay the amount as that would cause definite avalanche in its supportbase putting a big question on its very existence in the hills. GJM cannot afford to invite that before state rural body election.
ET Bureau
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