Port Blair, April 18: Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded uninterrupted power supply at Port Blair and South Andaman rural areas. In a letter sent to the Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A&N State Organising Committee drew the attention of the Lt. Governor towards the widespread power disruption occurring in the Port Blair and South Andaman areas for the last several months.  He said that Port Blair town and adjoining areas have been undergoing the unscheduled and un-announced power cut, because of which studies of students whose Board Examinations are underway during these days are adversely affected.  

CPI (M) has noticed that most of the times the power disruption lasts several hours at a stretch. Besides studies of students, business community, media, office work, etc. are all badly affected due to the sudden and unscheduled power cuts, CPI (M) Secretary said.  Power cut in the morning hours affects household chores. Women are unable to use mixie, grinder, washing machine, etc. while students and working people cannot iron their clothes, he said.  

While the people are put to intolerable hardship due to the power disruption, the Electricity Department and the Administration do not come forward with any explanation for such power cuts.  CPI (M) is of the opinion that the power disruption in such a massive manner is resorted to only after the decision of the Central Government to privatize power sector in these islands. CPI (M) feels that public outcry is created against the Electricity Department with a view to ensure favourable public opinion for smooth privatization of power sector in the islands. 

CPI (M) Secretary urged upon the Lt. Governor to look into this issue personally and take immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted power supply at Port Blair and South Andaman rural areas, which will be of immense relief to all sections of people including students.