The Congress on Monday alleged that the Maharashtra energy department, headed by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has caused a “probable intentional” loss to the state exchequer by not charging duty worth Rs
The Congress on Monday alleged that the Maharashtra energy department, headed by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has caused a “probable intentional” loss to the state exchequer by not charging duty worth Rs 550 crore for open access use of electricity. Meanwhile, Mr Bawankule has called a meeting on Wednesday to ascertain the facts.
“There has been a revenue loss of Rs 550 crore to the state exchequer because of mismanagement and probable intention of giving undue and illegal benefits to select industries starting October 2014,” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.
Congress had earlier claimed that Mr Bawankule’s department favoured a Raigad-based firm by agreeing to waive off electricity duty. However, Mr Bawankule had rejected the allegations.
Mr Sawant, in his fresh allegation on Monday, said, “1,398 industrial units had applied for a licence to obtain open access permission for electricity. Under the ‘open access’ system, industries can purchase power from any generator using the state-run MSEB’s transmission line.”
He further added, “These industries consumed 6,618 million units from October 2014 onwards after getting permission. But, the government has not charged duty on this consumption although there is a provision for the same in the Mumbai Electricity Duty Act, 1958.”
The Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) kept reminding the energy department about the duty issue but their pleas were ignored, Mr Sawant claimed. The Congress leader said he has written a letter to Mr Bawankule, seeking action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities. “They have increased charges on fuel citing drought. Here, they are favouring industrialists at the cost of the common man.”
Mr Bawankule said he would hold a meeting with energy secretary and managing director of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (Mahavitaran) on Wednesday and reply to the allegations after getting a clarification from them.
