Govt must clear the air on CESS’ future: Vinod Kumar
The delay in renewal of CESS licence has triggered confusion among electricity consumers
Karimnagar: Raising serious concerns over the uncertainty surrounding the Sircilla Cooperative Electric Supply Society (CESS), former Karimnagar MP Boianapalli Vinod Kumar questioned the State government on whether the CESS would be continued or not, and demanded immediate clarity.
Speaking on this occasion at a media conference held at Telangana Bhavan in Sircilla, Vinod Kumar alleged that the delay in renewal of the CESS licence by the State government has triggered political heat and confusion among electricity consumers.
He pointed out that although the CESS licence expired on March 31, it has not been renewed so far, leading to widespread uncertainty among users. Expressing strong displeasure over the government’s stance, he accused the Congress government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of adopting a dual approach on the CESS issue.
Vinod Kumar said that the recent visit of NPDCL CMD Varun Reddy to Sircilla has intensified suspicions about a possible merger of CESS with the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (NPDCL). He questioned whether the government was making attempts to merge CESS with NPDCL.
Recalling the legacy of the Cooperative Electric Supply Society, he said the 56-year-old institution has played a crucial role in the development of Sircilla. He added that the organisation has been the backbone of the local economy by ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the powerloom sector and agriculture.
Refuting allegations of corruption and losses in CESS, Vinod Kumar asserted that the organisation is not running in losses and made a sensational claim that the State government itself owes nearly Rs 700 crore to the CESS.
Demanding immediate intervention, he urged Power Minister Bhatti Vikramarka to respond promptly and ensure renewal of the CESS licence. He also appealed to Cooperation Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao to step in and resolve the issue.
Vinod Kumar suggested that Congress MLAs from the district should take up the matter with the Chief Minister to safeguard the cooperative institution. He also called upon electricity consumers and the CESS governing body to unite and form a Joint Action Committee (JAC), if necessary, to fight against the government.
He made it clear that the BRS party would fight in full strength to protect the Sircilla CESS.
Former TSCAB chairman Konduri Ravindra Rao, Vemulawada constituency in-charge Chalmada Lakshmi Narasimha Rao, BRS district president Thota Agaiah, Municipal Chairman Kala Chakrapani, senior party leaders and others
were present.
