'Electricity theft must be brought to zero': CM Suvendu Adhikari launches Bidyut Prohori app

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday launched the Bidyut Prohori app from Bidyut Bhavan in Salt Lake to strengthen action against electricity theft and improve grievance redressal. Announcing the initiative, he said complaints related to electricity theft could now be submitted through the app for faster action. He also directed the Power Department to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against electricity theft and instructed officials to recover outstanding electricity dues from factories and commercial establishments by issuing notices wherever necessary, while directing them to take a humane approach in domestic cases after reviewing consumers' past payment records.

Addressing officials, Suvendu Adhikari said electricity theft continued to be a major challenge, particularly in remote areas, and stressed that technology would play a key role in tackling the problem. He said the Bidyut Prohori app would allow consumers to report electricity theft, monitor the status of their complaints, and submit other electricity service-related grievances. He added that the identity of complainants reporting electricity theft or illegal power connections would remain completely confidential, while department personnel would monitor the platform round the clock to ensure prompt action.

The Chief Minister also announced changes to the recruitment process in the Power Department, stating that appointments should be made strictly through a transparent and rule-based system. He said recruitment should not be influenced by recommendations from ministers or other individuals and announced that all future recruitment in the department would be conducted through the Public Service Commission.