Energy Minister AK Sharma Publicizes Audio of Insensitive Conversation Between Official and Consumer; Suspends SE for Departmental Negligence and Issues Strict Warning to Other Officials.
UP News: Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister AK Sharma has taken a strict stance against the negligence and insensitive attitude of the Electricity Department. He has shared an audio recording of a conversation between a departmental officer and a consumer on social media, issuing a clear warning that if officials do not understand their responsibility towards the public, there will be serious consequences. The SE of Basti district has been immediately suspended, and all officers have been instructed to promptly resolve consumer problems.
Minister Receives Complaint with Audio Recording
Energy Minister AK Sharma in the Uttar Pradesh government received an audio recording from a senior leader, documenting a conversation between a senior officer of the electricity department and an educated consumer. The minister stated that this audio conversation is the height of insensitivity, in which the officer not only neglects the consumer's problem but also behaves indecently. The minister made this recording public on social media, vowing action, and appealed to the public to listen to the audio themselves to understand the departmental situation.
Technology-Based System Can Supplement Service, Not Replace It
AK Sharma wrote in his post that he had previously clarified to the Chairman, MD, and other officials of UPPCL that the 1912 toll-free helpline or other technology-based grievance systems can be supplementary means to resolve public problems, but they cannot be used as a substitute for human interaction and accountability.
, Reason to Know
The minister believes that officers are now avoiding direct communication with the public and have even stopped answering calls, which is against the spirit of service.
Information Concealed in Meeting as Well
The Energy Minister alleged that when he wanted to know from the officers during the meeting whether instructions had only been given to register complaints on the 1912 number, the officers denied it. But even when the minister raised this question repeatedly, he received false answers every time. He said that such behavior shows that some officers are not only disconnected from public complaints, but are also trying to mislead the minister, which is a very serious matter.
Senior Leader Shares Basti's Electricity Problem
AK Sharma also shared the WhatsApp message that he received from a senior leader. The message stated that there had been no electricity in a large locality in Basti city since 10 am, and no officer was receiving calls until 8 pm. When the Superintending Engineer was called, his behavior was completely insensitive. The leader also alleged that such officers are not only neglecting the public but are also damaging the image of the government.
SE Prashant Singh Suspended
The Energy Minister informed on Sunday morning that SE Prashant Singh of Basti district has been suspended with immediate effect. The minister wrote that this action was necessary against the officer who hurt the feeling of "Consumer is God." He also said that after this incident, clear instructions have been given to all officers and employees that they should prioritize the problems of consumers and resolve every complaint promptly.
