Agartala, August 01, 2025: In a bid to make the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) more responsive and citizen-centric, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday rolled out a series of directives aimed at improving consumer services, ensuring employee safety and modernizing communication channels.
Addressing over 2,000 employees and officers from various power sub-divisions through a statewide video conference from TSECL’s corporate headquarters in Agartala, Minister Nath underscored the importance of building public trust through transparent and efficient service. “TSECL is not just about electric poles and meters. It must become a trustworthy partner for every consumer. A consumer’s problem is our problem,” he emphasized.
The video conference was connected via 499 web links and included participation from sub-divisions in Bilonia, Udaipur, Sabroom, Khowai, Sonamura, Bishalgarh, and other regions. Senior officials including Managing Director Biswajit Basu, Finance Director Sarvjit Singh Dogra, and TPGL Technical Director Subhajit Ghosh were present at the headquarters.
Among the major reforms, the minister announced the establishment of dedicated 24×7 helpline numbers in each sub-division with Public Relations Nodal Officers to handle grievances. These helplines will be widely publicized through local institutions such as Panchayat offices, clubs, and ward offices.
To further enhance consumer interaction, Customer Assistance Desks will be set up at every sub-divisional office. Trained staff at these desks will address complaints or escalate issues to higher authorities if needed.
Highlighting the need for digital inclusion, Minister Nath called for an aggressive awareness campaign around the ‘Bidyut Bandhu’ mobile app, which enables bill payments, complaint registration, and service tracking. “All staff should be able to guide consumers on using this app effectively,” he said.
Responding to misinformation surrounding smart meters, the minister defended the technology strongly. “No one has proved these meters wrong. They are secure, reliable, and beneficial for consumers,” Nath said, urging TSECL employees to use social media to dispel myths and educate the public.
He also promoted the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana describing it as a game-changer. “With rooftop solar panels, consumers can eliminate bills and earn income. Let’s help them realize this opportunity,” he added.
Taking a tough stance against electricity theft, Nath declared zero tolerance for illegal hook-line connections. “Power theft is not just a loss; it is an injustice to honest consumers. We must act firmly,” he stated.
The minister unveiled a comprehensive 11-point action plan aimed at transforming TSECL into a more accountable and efficient utility. The plan includes the launch and promotion of local helpline numbers, establishment of Customer Assistance Desks at all sub-division offices, and intensive promotion of the ‘Bidyut Bandhu’ mobile app. It also calls for raising public awareness about TSECL’s WhatsApp grievance service, appointing Public Relations Nodal Officers in every sub-division, and organizing monthly ‘Bidyut Jan Sanlap’ (People’s Dialogue on Power) events. Additionally, the plan emphasizes enhanced use of social media for public engagement, timeline-based resolution of complaints, fast-tracking of new connection requests, regular awareness campaigns in coordination with local bodies, and stronger collaboration with elected representatives.
Minister Nath also took the opportunity to commend field staff for their resilience during adverse weather and festive periods. “You’ve worked sleepless nights, waist-deep in water, to restore power. That dedication has earned public trust—let’s build on it,” he said.
Following the minister’s address, senior officials including Managing Director Biswajit Basu and Finance Director Sarvjit Singh Dogra reaffirmed the department’s readiness to implement the directives. They noted that groundwork for the initiatives would commence next month.
The new directives signal a strategic overhaul of TSECL’s operational model, placing greater emphasis on transparency, digital connectivity, and consumer engagement—key steps toward reshaping Tripura’s power sector into a modern, people-first utility.
