Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar
Awais Ahmed Khan Laghari while fullfilling his promise has proposed and got approved
amendment relating to severe punishment of imprisonment upto 3 years for those Distribution Companies employees which are involved in
over billing and wrong billing.
The Federal Minister made promise in his
first speech at the floor of National Assembly after taking over as
Minister in-charge of power division. In meeting of the National Assembly
Standing Committee on Energy chaired by Mr. Bilal Virk today at
WAPDA House lahore, the Minister in-charge Power Division proposed amendment to
the NEPRA Act whereby an employee of distribution company would be punished if
found involved in over billing and wrong billing. The proposal was finalized by
the Power Division after the Federal Minister took extensive two weeks briefings
and analyzing various aspects associated with the amendment.
According to details the new insertion int
he NEPRA amendment would enable the NEPRA to hear and investigate complaints
relating to the overbilling and wrong billing by the distribution companies.
After an employee is found guilty the matter will be referred to the concerned
law enforcing agencies for registration of proper FIR.
The committee members applauded the
Minister for the historic amendment. The Federal Minister
during the meeting also passed directions to the DISCOs CEOs regarding close
laision with MNAs and other people representatives. He directed the CEOs to
keep transparent record of development projects and it must be ensured that
these projects are completed within the time frame.
The Federal Minister directed the CEOs that
all new applications relating to electrification must be available on the
websites of respective DISCOs. The details should also be made public and
notified on the notice boards at sub-division level for public to ensure
maximum Fair Play the
Federal Minister also directed the CEOs that they will regularly brief people
representatives of their respective areas regarding progress of projects.
The Federal Minister also directed the CEOs
and other head of organizations under the power division to constitute proper
procurement committee and devise transparent material management system in
order to ensure timely completion of the projects. The National Assembly
Committee unanimously approved the NEPRA amendment bills for reporting to the
National Assembly for further legislation.
*******
