Banarpal: Even though there is a central government scheme, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, for electrification of villages, the residents of Gochhayatsahi at Gotamara village in this block of Angul district still live in darkness. Except for some electric poles being set up, nothing much has been done as far as the government scheme is concerned.
Gotamara village is just two kilometres from the block office. A year ago, some of the residents were informed that they would get electric connections at subsidised rates. Twenty beneficiaries were identified and accordingly wiring was done at their houses, meter boxes were installed and poles erected.
The villagers were hopeful that in the span of a couple of weeks they would get power supply and bid adieu to darkness. However, more than a year has passed by and still there are no signs of power being provided to them.
The BPL beneficiaries including Duti Gochhayat, Kusha Gochhayat and some others alleged that electrical equipment fitted in their houses are just gathering dust as they had not been in use for a long period. They threatened demonstration if electric connection was not provided soon.
When contacted, Cesu junior engineer Ananta Dehury said all formalities have already been completed. Electricity connection would be given within a month to the houses.
PNN