Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister AK Sharma has severely criticized the working style of the electricity department and issued a b warning to officials. During a review meeting in Lucknow, the minister's anger erupted when officials began presenting positive reports about the electricity system across the state, while the ground reality was completely different. Addressing Executive Engineers (XENs), the Chairman of UPPCL, and other senior officials from across the state, the minister stated that the electricity department is not a grocery store that only collects bills. It is a medium of public service and should function with that spirit.
Recently, numerous complaints were received from various districts regarding power cuts, fault issues, and the failure to replace transformers. These included instances of power outages during the minister's own programs. Expressing his displeasure over departmental negligence, he warned that the working methods must change completely.
Minister Lashes Out in Meeting
During the meeting, when officials started claiming that the power supply was normal, Minister AK Sharma interrupted them, saying, "Stop your nonsense, I am not here to listen to your बातें (speeches/talks)." He warned the officials that reality does not change by showing everything as correct on paper. He emphasized that the public is struggling with the power crisis on the ground, and officials are only portraying a positive picture in their reports.
This video of the meeting is now rapidly going viral on social media, clearly showing the minister's sternness and the officials' silence. The matter has become a topic of public debate, and questions are being raised about the functioning of the electricity department.
Minister Lists Reasons for Negligence
Accusing the officials of sending false reports and ignoring the problems of the public, AK Sharma said, "You are sitting like blind, deaf, and mute people. You have no idea of the real problems." He stated that officials should abandon the habit of turning away from reality and prioritize serving the public.
He also questioned why transformers are not replaced for consumers who pay their bills on time, and why the electricity supply to an entire village is cut off for the fault of a single consumer. The minister also spoke about fixing the accountability of officials on these issues.
Bill of ₹72 Crore Sent
During the review meeting, the minister also reacted bly to the case in which a common consumer was handed an electricity bill of ₹72 crore. He said that such mistakes are eroding public trust in the department. The minister also questioned the role of vigilance teams, stating that they are conducting raids in the wrong places and extorting money in the name of filing FIRs. He warned of strict action in such cases now.
Only Written Orders Will Be Valid Now
At the end of the meeting, the Energy Minister made it clear that verbal orders would no longer be sufficient. He said, "I am tired of speaking, now everything will be given in writing, and its compliance will be mandatory." He also said that if officials do not listen to him, it is necessary to know whose instructions they are working under.
He added that officials should not think that they are not accountable. "I am accountable to the public and the Legislative Assembly. Who gave you the right to act arbitrarily?" The minister warned officials that issues such as irregular layoffs of contract workers, officials not answering phones, and electricity-related accidents will not be ignored.
Public Will Get Relief
Energy Minister AK Sharma has made it clear that transparency and accountability will now be ensured in the electricity department. Public problems will be given priority, and no officer found negligent will be spared. He assured that the electricity system in the state will improve in the coming times, and consumers will get better service.
