Free Electricity in Other States, Compulsory Prepaid Electricity in Nagaland

Sir, As I came across yesterday's paper, I stumbled upon a news item where the chief minister of Karnataka promised 200 units free electricity to every household in his state. Delhi and Punjab, currently ruled by AAP has also been providing free power in their states. What strikes me about our state is the eagerness of power department to install prepaid meter across the state. As a layman, I know that power department is a revenue generating department in the state, and if properly streamlined, can earn surplus revenue too. Instead of plugging the holes in its pockets, the department is vigorously pursuing prepaid installation spree in the urban areas and I believe, the rural areas will follow next. India in general and Nagaland in particular, is a Welfare state and the welfare of its citizens is of paramount importance than any other issues before it. But those at the helm of affairs in the power department in Nagaland are running the department as if profit is their sole motive, relegating the welfare of the citizens to the background. I would suggest that the department first plug the holes in their own pockets before imposing measures which are not citizen friendly as the welfare of the people comes first in a democratic country.

Kahoto Zhimomi Dimapur