Arun Jasrotia
Udhampur :TDD, Women Self Help Group in Ballian Panchayat in the Udhampur district has been facing a huge loss in their entrepreneurial activities due to the unavailability of three-phase electricity supply. A self-help group that was trained by the Horticulture department and was loaned out by the bank under a government-funded project to create a pickle and spices making unit, now finds it tough to use their machinery because of the non-cooperating power department.
The women were optimistic about the fact that the machinery would enhance their production levels and income levels. But the fact that there was no three-phase power supply has made the machines idle. All the routine procedures have been completed, and despite contacting the Power company numerous times, the connection has not been made.
The women have clearly vented out their frustrations stating that the sheer negligence on the part of the department is frustrating their efforts. They have requested the concerned officials to ensure that three phase connection is provided to them immediately so that they may restart the production and service their bank loan.
The Executive Engineer of the Power Development Department Udhampur, Sunil Dutt Pandoh, accepted the presence of the issue and said that the area is provided with a low-tension line. A new transformer would have to be install soon and will provide a three-phase connection to the women’s unit.TDD