Jamshedpur, July 7: Tata Steel’s proposal to increase power tariffs is facing opposition from the public in Jamshedpur. Public hearings held at Jamshedpur’s Chamber Bhawan and Adityapur’s Auto Cluster saw a strong backlash against the proposed price hike. The hearings were organized by Tata Steel UISL, the civic amenities provider, to discuss the company’s plan to raise electricity rates in Seraikela, Adityapur, and the urban areas of Jamshedpur.
The majority of attendees expressed their discontent with the proposed increase in electricity tariffs. Prominent human rights activist Jawaharlal Sharma challenged Tata Steel UISL (formerly Jusco) regarding their repeated demand for security deposits, which he deemed contrary to established regulations.
Sharma urged the commission to examine the justification behind the repeated requirement for security deposits from consumers. He appealed to the commission not to approve the increase in electricity rates, citing the terms outlined in the Tata lease agreement. According to the agreement, the people of Jamshedpur are entitled to subsidized rates for electricity, water, and civic amenities. Sharma argued that the proposed price hike within a span of just six months violated the agreement.
Filmmaker Saurabh Vishnu, who was also present at the public hearing, criticized the current state of affairs in Jamshedpur. He pointed out that despite Tata’s significant presence, not all residents have access to basic amenities such as electricity and water. Vishnu highlighted the lease conditions and questioned the disparity between Tata Steel’s prevention of the formation of a Municipal Corporation in the area and their selective provision of civic amenities as per the lease agreement. He further raised concerns about the declining number of Tata Steel employees and its impact on the region.
The public hearing shed light on the concerns and frustrations of the local community regarding the proposed electricity rate hike. Attendees emphasized the need for equitable access to essential services, adherence to lease agreements, and fair treatment for all residents of Jamshedpur.
The commission responsible for evaluating Tata’s proposal will consider the inputs and arguments presented during the public hearing before making a final decision on the electricity rate increase. The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the residents of Seraikela, Adityapur, and the urban areas of Jamshedpur.
Former President of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce Suresh Sonthalia, Chamber’s Vice President Mahesh Sonthalia, Munna Aggarwal, and many others strongly opposed the proposed increase in electricity rates during the public hearing. However, there were also some individuals who supported Tata’s proposal.
A three-member team of the Electricity Regulatory Commission, headed by Justice Amitabh Kumar Gupta, conducted the public hearing. At the end of the hearing, the commission stated that they would decide what is best within their jurisdiction.
Commission is least bothered to citizens need and quality of life. They are puppets in the hands of Tata Steel To promote cold storage at Tata Ranchi NH and to support villages and farmers close to NH concept is zero.😢😢😢