India, Jan. 16 -- LUCKNOW LESA's 'faceless' vertical system, implemented on November 15 last year with the objective of improving efficiency, transparency and accountability in electricity distribution/management, has so far failed to yield the desired results on the ground. Consumers continue to face delays in new power connections, billing processes and are still required to move between offices for even basic services, defeating the very purpose of the reform.

Sample this: For citizens like Priyanka Sharma, the promise of a streamlined, technology-driven electricity system has turned into a prolonged ordeal. A resident of Narpat Khera in Para, she applied for a new residential power connection on December 14, completing the required f...