SEC issue to be solved soon: Patel

SURAT, July 20: Urban Development Minister Kaushik Patel on Monday assured a delegation of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and I...

SURAT, July 20: Urban Development Minister Kaushik Patel on Monday assured a delegation of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which called on him in Gandhinagar in connection with the tariff hike by the Surat Electricity Company, that the government would probably take a final decision within three days.

The delegation, while submitting a memorandum, reminded Patel of the leadership taken by the Bharatiya Janta Party representatives when residents of Surat had earlier launched an agitation to press for parity with the tariff charged by the Gujarat Electricity Board.

The minister was told that the agitation could take a turn for the worse if a decision on tariff equalisation was not taken soon. Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, the delegation pointed out, had already directed the private electricity company not to disconnect the power supply of any defaulting consumers in view of the agitation.

Highlighting the fact that at least 12,000 consumers would have to bear a joint burden of Rs 60 crores to Rs 90 crores following the phased withdrawal of government subsidy, the delegation said that despite the announcement of concessions 8212; including application of Gujarat Electricity Board rates to domestic and commercial consumers using up to 200 units and LT consumers having connections upto 10 HP load 8212; the others would have to pay between Rs 50,000 and Rs 75,000 per head. This was enough to cripple any industry, they said.

The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation said the minister had accepted in principle their demand that all consumers in the state should be supplied electricity at the same rates.

Federation of Indian Art Silk Weaving Industry chairman Arunbhai Jariwala apprised the minister of the difficulties faced by the trade and industry due to more fuel adjustment charge, Salex Tax and more rates charged by the SEC.

Late in the evening, the minister met elected representatives from Surat. He announced after the meeting that he would get more details from his department and submit a report to the chief minister within a couple of days.

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The chamber delegation was led by South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rajendra Chokhawala, FIASWI chairman Arun Jariwala, former presidents Jaivadan Bodawala and Rupin Patchigar, MLA Dhirubhai Gajera, Secretary of Surat Diamond Association Nanubhai Patel among others. Water Supply minister Narottambhai Patel also joined the discussion.

The Congress party, which submitted a memorandum to the district administration on Monday, also highlighted the issue, saying that the disparity in rates charged by SEC and GEB should be removed.