Bills unpaid: APPSC, TPPSC go ‘powerless’

Agencies that are supposed to brighten the future of unemployed youth are themselves in darkness.

The Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd. (TSSPDCL) has disconnected power supply to the building that houses the A.P. Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC), citing non-payment of dues to the tune of Rs.7 lakh, accrued over the last 13 months.

Dig in their heels

In fact, power was stopped a few days ago but was restored on the request of officials. But now power officials have taken a stringent stand.

TSPSC officials are now in a dilemma as they are preparing their website, which will be launched in another two days by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan. Moreover, it is also working on conducting tests for various government departments.

“TSSPDCL officials have refused to give power till the dues are cleared,” said TSPSC chairman Ghanta Chakrapani.

Work on the website has to be completed before the Governor inaugurates it early next week.

The real issue

However, the issue pertains to the payment – who will clear the bills that have been pending for the last 13 months, even prior to the State’s division?

The TSPSC is functioning from two floors and has agreed to clear its part of the dues. But officials say since the electric meter is same, the entire bill has to be cleared.

Meanwhile, APPSC has refused to clear the bills, stating that the AP Government had asked them not to release any funds except for salaries. It has also refused to divide the floors for both Commissions for installing separate meters. Its argument is that the AP Government has not issued any orders to this effect, and they cannot let their space be divided without government orders.

A few days ago, Telangana and Andhra employees clashed over the division of the commission and sharing of files related to Telangana.

The two States have not yet resolved how to divide among themselves the

Rs.7 lakh dues that it owes the TSSPDCL