Energy Minister Tomar Pulls Up Indore Engineers Over Power Cuts

Indore Power Supply Under Scanner After Minister’s Surprise Visit

Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar took a late-night inspection of electricity sub-stations in Indore on Monday and directly heard grievances from residents, leading to swift action against two local engineers for alleged negligence in power supply.

The minister reached Old Palasia area where several consumers complained about repeated power outages. Taking serious note of the complaints, Tomar directed immediate issuance of notices to the concerned engineers, signalling a firm stance against lapses in service delivery.

Direct Interaction with Consumers

During the visit, residents of Old Palasia and Manorama Ganj areas openly shared their difficulties with frequent tripping and unreliable supply. Minister Tomar assured them that such carelessness would not be tolerated. He instructed Chief Engineer R.C. Jain to issue show-cause notices to Assistant Engineers Satyaprakash Jaiswal and Kamlesh Tale.

The notices were formally issued on Tuesday afternoon. Officials said the engineers have been asked to explain the reasons for poor maintenance and repeated failures in their jurisdiction. If their replies are found unsatisfactory, further action including stoppage of annual increments may follow.

Focus on Maintenance Quality

Tomar emphasised the need for high-quality maintenance work so that power disruptions are minimised. He directed that advance information about any planned maintenance should be given to local residents to reduce inconvenience. “Laxity in electricity supply matters will not be accepted,” the minister said, according to officials present.

The surprise visit reflects the state government’s growing concern over urban power reliability, especially in major cities like Indore, which has seen rapid residential and commercial growth in recent years.

Senior Officers Accompany Minister

The minister was accompanied by several senior Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board officials during the inspection. These included Chief General Manager Prakash Singh Chauhan, Executive Director Gajra Mehta, Chief Engineer (Works) S.L. Karwadiya, and City Superintending Engineer D.K. Gathe, among others.

Public Reaction and Impact

Many residents welcomed the minister’s direct intervention, hoping it would lead to visible improvements in service. Frequent power cuts have been a persistent issue in several Indore localities, affecting daily life, small businesses, and student studies, especially during summer months when demand peaks due to air-conditioners and coolers.

Local sources indicated that some areas have been facing outages multiple times a day without proper intimation, leading to frustration among consumers. The minister’s move is seen as an attempt to improve accountability at the field level.

Broader Context of Power Sector Reforms

This action comes amid ongoing efforts by the Madhya Pradesh government to strengthen the power distribution network. The state has been working on upgrading infrastructure, reducing AT&C losses, and improving consumer grievance redressal mechanisms. However, implementation at the ground level often remains a challenge in many urban pockets.

Energy experts note that while generation capacity has improved, distribution efficiency and timely maintenance continue to be pain points in several cities. Tomar’s hands-on approach during the visit may set a precedent for similar surprise checks in other areas.

Next Steps and Expectations

The two engineers are expected to submit their replies soon. Department officials said strict timelines have been set for compliance. The minister has also asked for a detailed report on maintenance schedules and outage patterns in the affected areas.

Residents are watching closely whether this administrative action translates into better power supply in the coming days. Many hope the incident will prompt a wider review of operational practices across Indore’s electricity zones.

As summer temperatures remain high, reliable electricity remains a key concern for citizens. The state energy department’s response in the coming weeks will indicate how seriously such public grievances are being addressed at the highest levels.