Mangaluru: A technical glitch in Mescom's server and N-SOFT has plunged the general public and electrical contractors into deep trouble, particularly those awaiting electricity connections for newly constructed houses. Many consumers have also not received their March bills due to the glitch, leading them to pay an average amount to avoid accumulating two months' bills in May.
Contractors and Public Organisations Demand Immediate Resolution
The Karnataka State Licensed Electrical Contractors Association, along with several public organisations including CITU, DYFI, and the Karnataka State Farmers' Association, have urged Mescom and the district administration to resolve the issue promptly. Sunil Kumar Bajal, CITU Dakshina Kannada district general secretary, highlighted that residents have worked hard to build new homes but are unable to schedule housewarming ceremonies due to the lack of electricity connections. He stated, "Thousands of new homes are struggling without electricity, and customers are mentally stressed. Electrical contractors have completed all work related to connecting electricity at their own expense. However, without connections, customers are withholding payments, causing severe financial hardship for hundreds of contractors with outstanding amounts running into lakhs of rupees."
Leaders' Efforts and Warning of Protest
Leaders of the Electrical Contractors Association have repeatedly met senior Mescom officials and submitted grievances, but to no avail. Bajal warned that if the issue is not resolved within the next week, electrical contractors, along with farmer labourers, students, youth, women, Dalit, and tribal organisations, will organise a massive protest targeting the Mescom office.
Mescom Chairman's Response
When contacted, Harish Kumar, chairman of Mescom, acknowledged the problems but assured that officials are working on solutions. He said, "Technical glitches have been rectified, and the issue of providing new electricity connections will continue. Similarly, technical glitches related to meter reading and bill issuance are also being solved."
