By TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th November 2024: Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday announced a 5% Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees of the Tripura State Power Corporation Limited (TSECL), effective from November 1, 2024. Speaking at a press conference, the minister praised the corporation’s workforce for their dedication, especially during challenging times like the recent Puja celebrations and floods.
“This is a recognition of their unwavering efforts to ensure uninterrupted power supply. The TSECL is possibly the first PSU in the state to extend such a benefit, reflecting our commitment to our employees,” said Nath.
This new DA increment will add an estimated ₹55 lakh to the monthly expenditure of TSECL. Despite the separation of TPTL and TPGL as distinct entities, Nath clarified that the allowance would be disbursed jointly under the TSECL umbrella. Additionally, employees who risked their lives during the floods have been rewarded with a one-time incentive.
Highlighting the state’s power sector advancements, the minister stated that Tripura now serves 11,24,918 electricity consumers, a significant rise from 7,21,955 in 2018. Of these, 1,41,583 are prepaid users, while 9,83,335 remain on postpaid plans. The state currently generates 600 MW of electricity, with notable contributions from plants like Palatana (537 MW). Surplus power of 60 MW is being supplied to Bangladesh, which owes ₹135 crore in pending payments but is settling dues regularly.
Discussing tariff rates, Nath noted that the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission raised electricity rates on August 1, 2024, due to a 196% surge in gas prices and a 178% rise in interstate power transport costs. Despite these challenges, Nath assured citizens of efforts to minimize the burden.
Tripura has intensified its crackdown on electricity theft, conducting 540 anti-hook line campaigns since April. These drives led to the disconnection of 3,041 illegal lines and the collection of ₹1.18 crore in fines. Nath also urged residents to install solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Mufti Bijli Yojana. “Nearly 10,000 people have registered, and we encourage more citizens to take advantage of this initiative,” he added.
The state has expanded underground cable lines in Agartala from 203 km in 2018 to 477 km in 2024, with plans for further installations in 2024-25. Three new 15 MVA transformers and over 56 km of underground cables are planned to enhance the city’s power infrastructure.
“Our mission is to ensure robust and reliable power supply while addressing the needs of our employees and consumers,” Nath concluded.
