RWAs demand Power Companies’ audited by CAG
Delhiites’ demand to get power companies’ accounts audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) gained momentum on the second day of the public hearing on tariff petitions, as more Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) thronged the hearing to lay stress on their objections.
But the discoms are not willing to budge. BSES has said that since it is a private company without any funding from the government, it cannot be audited by the CAG. “Our accounts are fair and audited as per the law. The law does not permit the CAG to audit us. If the law is changed, we will comply,” Sunil Wadhwa, managing director, North Delhi Power Limited told reporters in front of protesting residents outside DERC office.
What is empowering the demand is the fact that it was the DERC, which, in July 2010, had advised the Delhi government that a CAG audit should be carried out, as it was the best way to end the “several claims and counter-claims available in the audited accounts.” Emboldened by the alleged discrepancies in the petitions and audited accounts — as highlighted by several residents after thorough scrutiny — they said that the veracity of the figures furnished by the private companies was now in doubt.
“We should wait for the audit and till then, there should be no upward revision in the power tariff,” said BS Vohra, president of East Delhi Residents’ Welfare Association Joint Front. “Prevalent public support for the fight against corruption in India extends to this tariff process as well,” said Amit Aggarwal, RWA member of Vasant Kunj.
It’s pertinent to note here that the Delhi government holds 49% stake in the three discoms.
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