Tamil Nadu electricity minister C T R Nirmal Kumar on Wednesday announced that vacancy assessment and recruitment exercises would commence after the budget, while continuous monitoring and fault rectification efforts have significantly reduced power outages across the state over the past two days.
Staff Shortage and Recruitment Plans
Addressing the media in Madurai, Nirmal Kumar stated that against the requirement of 1.4 lakh employees, only 70,000 staff are currently working. He said, “We are identifying places that need immediate appointments first. Pending recruitment processes already initiated have been asked to be completed immediately.” The minister added that urgent repairs and manpower deployment are being handled on a war-footing basis.
Monitoring and Consumer Updates
The minister revealed that seven mobile monitoring teams have been formed to attend outages, and more teams will be added soon. Consumers will receive updates through call centres and social media regarding outages, reasons for faults, and restoration works. He cautioned that some outdated outage information is still being circulated even after supply has been restored, citing an incident in Kallakurichi where electricity supply had already been restored before outage reports continued circulating online.
Response to Criticism
Responding to criticism from BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran over power cuts, Nirmal Kumar said BJP leaders “do not know what is happening in Tamil Nadu” and that criticism without citing specific locations does not require a response. Replying to comments by Tamilisai Soundararajan on the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister M K Stalin, he described it as “purely an official meeting” to discuss Tamil Nadu’s requirements and financial support.
Internal Party Matters and Mekedatu Issue
On the feud within AIADMK, the minister said it is an internal party matter and alleged that accusations over attempts by AIADMK leaders to align with the DMK have triggered unrest within the party. Regarding the Mekedatu issue, Nirmal Kumar said Tamil Nadu is taking legal steps to oppose the proposed dam project.
Compensation Distribution
The minister was in Madurai to distribute ₹4 lakh compensation each to families of three people killed in a lightning strike and to meet an injured woman undergoing treatment at the government hospital.
