EB removes streetlights in Vellore village over unpaid dues

EB officials told DT Next that the drastic decision was taken after their pleas to the local body seeking the payment of over Rs 1.50 lakh in dues went unheard. The streetlights were removed on Tuesday.

“The dues pending for more than a year were not remitted to the TNEB office despite board officials personally interacting with the Kandili Block Development Officer and putting in several written requests,” EB sources said, adding that the panchayat union owed them nearly Rs 60 lakh in total.

Residents, however, are upset over being penalised for no fault of theirs. “When we have paid house and property tax on time, we wonder why the village panchayat has not cleared its EB dues,” lamented a resident.

Officials said that village panchayats being unable to pay their dues was not uncommon. The problem arises when there is a mismatch between the amount due and actual revenue collection by the local body, they said.

When contacted, Collector S A Raman said the State Finance Commission grant (around Rs 2 crore) is split and provided every quarter to all local bodies, as the government is aware of the financial problems faced by village panchayats.

“At Aadhiyur, the issue arose due to house and property tax not being collected fully. If this was done, at least part payment could have been made, thereby averting this unnecessary crisis,” he said.

“Once the next payment comes, the full amount will be settled. Till then Kandili officials are holding talks with EB officials to prevent any further action,” Raman added. The removed streetlights were restored following BDO officials promising to clear the EB dues at the earliest.