Sri Vijaya Puram, July 30: The Chairman, Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) Shri. TSG Bhasker has voiced strong opposition to the proposed steep hike in electricity tariffs by the Electricity Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
In a letter addressed to the Superintending Engineer (Tech), Bhasker, called the move “shocking” and “untenable,” citing the already exorbitant electricity costs in the Union Territory.
“The existing electricity tariffs in Andaman & Nicobar Islands are already significantly higher than those in other Union Territories like Delhi, Puducherry and Ladakh. It is unacceptable that, despite the frequent power failures and inadequate supply, the residents and businesses of these Islands are being penalized for the Department’s inefficiencies”, said Mr. Bhasker
He emphasized that the proposed hike would have a crippling impact on the tourism industry, which serves as the backbone of the Islands’ economy. “In comparison to other tourist destinations such as Kerala and Goa, higher power tariffs will severely impact the competitiveness of our tourism sector, leading to hotel closures and job losses,” Mr. Bhasker stated.
He also criticized the lack of stakeholder consultation in the tariff revision process and demanded a complete rollback of the proposal. “Instead of burdening the people, the Department should focus on improving service delivery, reducing transmission losses, and increasing operational efficiency,” said Mr. Bhasker.
Mr. Bhasker warned that such repeated hikes without systemic improvements will make electricity unaffordable for the common citizen and further discourage private sector growth in the Islands.
He has also submitted his objection formally to the Chief Secretary and Secretary (Power) of the A&N Administration, as well as to the President of the Andaman Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry for their attention and necessary action.