Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14 -- The Odisha Congress today urged the state government to bear the full electricity expenses for all panchayats, anganwadi centres, schools, government water tanks, and village road lighting.
Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister Panchanan Kanungo told reporters that the government or Tata Power, should also bear the complete cost of installing smart meters.
He further demanded the withdrawal of the minimum energy charge of Rs 20 per kilowatt and sought a directive to the company on the matter.
Kanungo said the per-unit price of electricity should be reduced for consumers, as Tata Power's transmission and distribution costs have dropped from 41percent to 17percent.
Accusing the state BJP government and...