Power shortage is being faced across India: Minister Nirmal Kumar

Power shortages are being experienced across India, with several States facing electricity cuts, Tamil Nadu Minister Nirmal Kumar said on Friday.
Nirmal Kumar, along with Ministers Rajiv and Madhan Raja, paid floral tributes to the statue of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar at Goripalayam in Madurai on behalf of the TVK, marking his 119th birth anniversary and 64th Guru Pooja.
Speaking to reporters, Nirmal Kumar said security lapses existed in several prisons across Tamil Nadu. He referred to the recent escape of prisoners from Theni prison, allegedly taking advantage of irregularities in the procedure for locking prison doors.
He said an inquiry was under way to determine whether the Theni prison superintendent had any role in the incident. Funds had already been allocated in the previous Budget to address security deficiencies in prisons, and corrective measures would be taken soon, he added.
Referring to reports of a power interruption at the Meenakshi Amman Temple during AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s visit on Thursday, the Minister said electricity had been supplied through generators in view of visits by important dignitaries.
A brief interruption had occurred only while switching the power connection, he clarified.
He alleged that certain individuals within the Electricity Department were deliberately causing power interruptions during events attended by important personalities.
He said efforts were under way to address the issue in the long
term.
Clarifying reports of high-cost power procurement, Nirmal Kumar said no electricity had yet been purchased at higher rates and that only a tender had been floated. Arrangements were being made to invite fresh bids next week. He also alleged that companies were forming syndicates to influence the process.
“Power shortage is being experienced across India. Several States are facing power cuts,” he said.