A press conference was organized by Electricity Consumers of Iron & Steel Industries in the Asansol-Durgapur region. The main agenda of the press conference was to throw light on receiving power from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in West Bengal against the difference of more than Rs 2 in power tariff imposed upon them by DVC.

The industries have a contract demand of more than 1000 MVA and DVC demanded the past arrears of more than Rs 1500 crores. This will lead to the closing of industries and incur a huge financial loss.

This decision will affect the employment of more than 50000 people in the state who earn their livelihood directly or indirectly from the industries.

DVC’s retail tariff in Jharkhand is Rs 2 less than the tariff available in West Bengal. DVC power rates in Bengal are Rs 6.50 per unit and in Jharkhand, it is Rs 4.25 per unit.

As a result, industries in West Bengal are losing business to their competitors in Jharkhand.

The West Bengal government has not been taking any steps despite repeated requests from the Electricity Consumers of Iron & Steel Industries in the Asansol-Durgapur region.

The association wants steps to be taken so that the tariff rates are made equal for all states and no disparity exists. Otherwise, this will lead to unemployment and the shutting down of industries.

Priyanka Dutta