Greenpeace along with its partner organisation Bapuji Rural Enlightenment and Development Society (BREDS) organised a public hearing on the scheme at Ganguvada village in Pathapatnam block to release the findings of the audit. The public hearing also brought together people, bureaucrats, civil society, concerned authorities and implementing agencies on one platform to discuss the implementation of and issues with the scheme.
Greenpeace and BREDS conducted the social audit in eight villages of Pathapatnam and Saravakota mandals in April this year to do a reality check on the scheme and assess whether it is fulfilling its mandate.
“What comes out as most remarkable is that despite there already being basic energy infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, the scheme has been unable to build on it. We can say that the scheme is a failure since in Andhra Pradesh the villages they took up for intense electrification are not really getting improved electricity supply as per their requirements. How can the Union government make one scheme and impose the same structure throughout the vastness and diversity of this region,” asked Manish Ram, campaigner, Greenpeace and coordinator of the social audit in Andhra Pradesh.
The audit found that the people were dissatisfied with the time, low voltage and inconsistency of the supply. People were getting 6-8 hours of electricity for 20-25 days in a month that is mostly because of electrification under previous state government schemes. People are demanding at least 16 hours of electricity. The current supply cannot meet even half the energy needs of the people.
“With the insufficient supply that reaches these villages over long distances, RGGVY has been unable to provide rural areas an opportunity to start local enterprises, or improve social infrastructure like schools and health centres. What people need is improved, better quality, well timed and consistent supply which they can use for more than basic lighting. The scheme has been unable to deliver on that,” added A Ramakrishna Raju of BREDS.
It is because of this irregular supply that people are still spending Rs 100 to Rs 300 on polluting sources like kerosene and diesel. Also the awareness on the scheme is low and almost 60 per cent people don’t know about this scheme. Villages like Konangi in Pathapatnam are a case in point, where everyone knows about the RGGVY, but the village has not got connection or electricity under the scheme, because of its remoteness.
“The government here is heavily dependent on the large thermal and nuclear power plants that have inherent social and environmental risks attached to meet the rising energy demands of the people. The government has also failed to recognise the increasing opposition to such plants. This is the opportunity when the government can develop decentralised renewable energy as the source to quality and reliable energy customised to people’s needs that can empower them.
The government and the Planning Commission must consider renewable and sustainable ways of generating energy to meet people’s aspirations and demands,” added Manish Ram.
The social audit report will be given to the Planning Commission for it to incorporate people’s concerns and suggestions in the 12th Five Year Plan so that energy can be delivered to the millions who have so far been deprived of it.
For further details, contact:
- Manish Ram, campaigner, Greenpeace India, 09741936701,
- Shachi Chaturvedi, senior media officer, Greenpeace India, 09818750007,
- A Ramakrishna Raju, secretary, BREDS, 09440387563,
