Let there be light: WB family’s 12 year wait for electricity ends after Janata Darbar appeal

New Delhi: For almost 12 years the family of bicycle mechanic Krishna Bauri lived without electricity even after submitting several requests for a power connection. Their long wait finally ended just 12 days after they approached Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s Janata Darbar. The moment brought relief and happiness to the family after years of struggle.

The incident happened in Laulada village under the Puncha Police Station area in Purulia district. Krishna Bauri who repairs bicycles to support his family said they had been living without electricity for more than a decade because of a land dispute with neighbouring residents. He alleged that some local people stopped the electricity department from giving a power connection to his house.

A 12 year fight finally reached the right door

Krishna Bauri said he had submitted applications many times during the past 12 years and had repeatedly approached the authorities during the previous government’s tenure. Despite his continuous efforts the problem was never solved and his family continued to live without electricity.

Hoping for a solution Krishna Bauri’s wife Kalpana Bauri and their daughter travelled to Salt Lake in Kolkata on July 13 to attend the Chief Minister’s Janata Darbar. They registered their complaint as Serial Number 34. Although they did not get a chance to meet the Chief Minister personally officials at the public grievance hearing accepted their complaint and assured them that the matter would be given priority.

Officials step in to resolve 12 year dispute

After the complaint was submitted officials from the Janata Darbar immediately contacted Puncha Police Station and asked the local administration to look into the matter without any delay. Following these directions the Puncha Police the block administration and electricity department officials worked together to resolve the issue that had remained pending for years.

Officials said both sides involved in the land dispute were called for a hearing on Thursday. After listening to both parties and reviewing the matter the authorities decided that the Bauri family should receive an electricity connection.

A home Lights Up After Years of Darkness

On Friday electricity department officials along with personnel from Puncha Police Station reached Krishna Bauri’s house and completed the installation of the power connection. For the first time in 12 years the family’s home was lit with electricity bringing an end to their long struggle.

The moment electricity reached their home brought great joy to the Bauri family. Krishna Bauri and his family thanked the administration the electricity department the BJP government and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for helping resolve a problem that had remained pending for 12 years.

More than electricity it restored hope

For the family the new electricity connection meant much more than just power. It marked the end of years of hardship and gave them fresh hope especially for their children’s future as their education had suffered because there was no electricity at home.

Remembering the difficult years Krishna Bauri said his family had gone through many struggles. He said he has a son and a daughter. While his daughter is now working as a nurse his son’s education was badly affected. He said that after completing the Madhyamik examination his son could not continue his studies because their home did not have electricity.

A plea to the chief minister brought quick relief

Krishna Bauri said the family decided to seek help from the Chief Minister’s office after hearing about the change in government in West Bengal. He said his wife and daughter visited the Chief Minister’s office this year explained their situation and were assured by officials that electricity would be provided to their home within a week.

Krishna said that after the Chief Minister’s office gave instructions over the phone the electricity department completed the power connection at his house within 12 days. He said his entire family is deeply grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for helping end their long wait.

(Curated by: Amber Rashid Shah)