KOCHI: Power generation in the state is not increasing in line with demand, said Leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 31st state conference of KSEB Pensioners Association here on Tuesday.
He alleged that the state government has even failed to complete the power generation projects started during the course of the previous government.
“It is unfortunate that the government could not complete the projects in time. At times, Moolamattam and Sabarigiri projects were even closed down. The board has also failed in carrying out proper maintenance of electric lines and to stop power theft,” V S Achuthanandan.said.
He added that the corridor to bring the power into the state from Koodamkulam has yet not been completed.
“Besides the Central Government is making efforts to privatise the power sector. If it happens the public will be forced to pay more for electricity and the benefits of employees will also be scaled down.
The subsidy enjoyed by SC and ST people will be stopped.
The one rank, one pension scheme is not implemented in KSEB. Also the gratuity is not distributed to retired employees. Hence KSEB will give shocks to not only to customers but also to retired employees as well,” V S Achuthanandan said.
Speaking at the conference, former MP K P Dhanapalan said that owing to protest from environmentalists, governments are not even thinking about Hydel projects.
KSEB Pensioners Association president M K Parameshwaran Nair presided over the function.
Association general convenor P Balakrishna Pillai, K Chandran Pillai, KSEB Workers Association president K O Habeeb, KSEB Workers Federation president A N Rajan, KSSPU general secretary R Raghunathan Nair, KSRTC Pensioners Association representative A N Aravindakshan and KSEB Pensioners Association vice president V Mohandas also participated.
As many as 800 representatives from across the state are attending the conference which will conclude on Thursday.