The Odisha government is taking decisive action to recover outstanding electricity dues totaling ₹1,096.32 crore from 23 industrial units across the state. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also oversees the Energy Department, chaired a review meeting on December 18, 2024, to address this pressing issue.
During the meeting, officials highlighted that the accumulation of these dues is primarily due to ongoing legal disputes concerning exemptions from electricity duties. These cases are currently pending in the Orissa High Court and other legal forums, hindering the collection process.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the Energy Department to collaborate with the Advocate General of Odisha and the department’s legal advisor to expedite the resolution of these cases. This strategic move aims to facilitate the prompt recovery of the pending dues
Data presented during the recent Odisha Assembly session revealed that the highest defaulter is Jindal India Thermal Power Ltd in Talcher, with dues amounting to ₹285.02 crore. Other significant defaulters include Visa Steel in Jajpur (₹246 crore), GMR Kamalanga Energy (₹179.35 crore), and Maithan Ispat Nigam Ltd (₹85.31 crore).
In a related development, over the past decade, the Odisha government has waived electricity dues totaling ₹4,097.67 crore for 14 industries under various incentive schemes to promote industrial growth. Major beneficiaries of these exemptions include Vedanta Ltd and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
The state’s dual approach of enforcing dues recovery while offering strategic exemptions underscores its commitment to balancing industrial development with fiscal responsibility. By addressing legal bottlenecks and ensuring compliance, the Odisha government aims to strengthen its energy sector’s financial health and promote sustainable industrial growth.
Source: Web Team, C6N
