In recognition of the relentless efforts and courageous role of employees of the state electricity corporation in maintaining uninterrupted electricity service during the recent flood, the Tripura government has announced a one-time financial grant for workers of all levels of the corporation.
Announcing the decision in Agartala on Monday, State Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said, a total of 4,294 employees will receive this grant, for which an amount of Rs 25,52,200 will be spent. Each worker will receive a grant ranging from a minimum of Rs 400 to a maximum of Rs 1,700.
He further stated that 574 employees, including Helpers-2, Helpers, and Senior Helpers of the state electricity corporation, will be promoted to Junior Lineman positions. As a result of this promotion, their salaries will increase by at least Rs 1,100 and up to Rs 4,300 depending on the length of their service.
The Power Minister also shared that on the day of Durga Puja’s Ashtami last year, the state’s electricity demand was at its highest, reaching 3,113 megawatts. This year, the average electricity demand of the state is 330 megawatts. However, on September 20, 2024, the state recorded the highest-ever electricity demand of 3,785 megawatts. To ensure uninterrupted power supply during the Puja season, a target of 390 megawatts of electricity demand has been set, and an initiative to purchase 105 megawatts of electricity is underway, with an expenditure of Rs 2 crore.
He also mentioned that under the funding of the World Bank, a project worth Rs 1,800 crore is currently ongoing to improve the state’s electricity infrastructure. Nine new electricity substations will be operational soon. These substations include 132 KV substations at Belonia, Manu Dhalai, and Amarpur, and 33 KV substations at Garji, Sekerkot, Muhuripur, Nidaya, and Dalak.
In addition, the capacity of the 132 KV Gournagar substation has been increased and will soon be operational. The minister added that work is also ongoing for the improvement of various 132 KV and 33 KV substations.
Nath assured that the Tripura State Electricity Corporation (TSECL) is working with a comprehensive plan to ensure uninterrupted electricity service during Durga Puja and Diwali in the state. Approximately 95% of the work, such as clearing jungles, replacing and repairing transformers, and fixing electric poles, has already been completed.
To maintain normal electricity service during the Puja period, shift duties have been arranged for the workers, and all leaves for employees connected to the electricity service have been canceled, according to the Power Minister.
(Tripura, Tripura News)