Imphal, October 02: Citing the reluctance of the public to clear outstanding power tax as an important factor for the deteriorating state�s economy, chief minister O Ibobi Singh today announced setting up of a �dedicated security team� to recover dues from the defaulters.

The state had been paying around Rs 9 crores every month to procure power from the National Hydel Power Corporation and other agencies but not even Rs 1.5 crore could be collected from the public as taxes for consuming power, fumed the CM at a programme in Thoubal district headquarters.

The CM was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of three units and foundation stone laying ceremony for construction of a mini-secretariat complex at the premises of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal.

All money earmarked in the state budget for developmental projects are being diverted towards clearing the power bills at the rate of Rs 12 crores per month in order to tide over a total amount of Rs 120 crores payable to various power corporations, he said.

The CM sternly warned of appropriate legal action and on the spot disconnection of power lines of defaulters and mentioned of the practice in developed countries where tax defaulters are liable for prosecution.

Considering the ground reality of the people intentionally undermining the duty to pay taxes (power) the government is of the view that setting up 'dedicated security team' to collect the outstanding power dues with force, if necessary, had become inevitable.

On task to be assigned to the team, he said consumers with dues of over Rs one lakh would be identified and necessary course of action including attachment of properties will be processed and added that the drive would be launched very soon across the state with special emphasis in the twin capital districts.

The newly inaugurated units at the Thoubal DC office complex include office of the District Rural Development Agency, video conferencing room for Thoubal district and solar lighting system.

On the proposed mini secretariat, Ibobi said a number of different government offices scattered in the district headquarters would be clubbed together at the complex to ensure security of the officials/employees.

The complex will have a compound wall with separate entry and exit points so that requirement of security personnel to man the office could be at the minimal, said the CM while highlighting that such model will be the first of its kind in the state.

Imphal East will be second district of the State to have similar construction model followed by constructions in the remaining districts, Ibobi said.

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