HC censures TNEB for delay in power connection to farmer

CHENNAI: Censuring the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) for sitting over an application from a farmer seeking electricity connection for agriculture purpose for 25 years, the Madras high court observed that such an attitude would certainly impact the industry which employs 50% of the country's workforce.
"Now, graduates and highly educated youngsters are also involved in the agricultural activities to increase the agricultural produce and serve the society.It is also relevant to point out that the agriculture is the most important sector of Indian economy. Indian agriculture sector accounts for 18% of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)... Hence, the authorities should wake up and decide on all such pending applications within two months," Justice D Krishnakumar said.The issue pertains to a plea moved by N Balasubramanian of Dharapuram seeking to quash an order passed by the executive engineer of TNEB, Dharapuram, directing him to obtain a no objection certificate from the PWD to provide a 20HP electricity service connection to his farmland.
According to the petitioner, on December 12, 2010, he applied for 20HP electricity connection to cultivate using modern techniques on his 3 acres of land. A similar application was already made by the previous owner of the land on August 19, 1992. On January 3, 2011 the TNEB sent a communication to the executive engineer, PWD, Karur, seeking to issue no objection certificate to provide service connection to the petitioner.