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Riding a horse to protest against petrol price hike costs ‘powerman’ his job in Bihar
Rural revenue franchisees are individuals who work on a part-time basis and get 6% commission from discoms on the total collection of energy bills.
A publicity stunt to protest against the rise in petrol prices has cost a rural revenue franchisee his job in Bihar’s Sheohar district, about 125 km north of Patna, power officials said.
In a video that has turned viral, Abhijit Tiwari, a rural revenue franchisee, tasked with collection of energy bills from consumers, is seen riding a horse in rural Sheohar to collect payment against energy bills as petrol prices head north.
“Tiwari now says that he was instigated by a so-called local journalist to act in the manner he did and say on camera that he preferred riding a horse than using his motorbike for collection of energy bills as petrol had become dear,” said Shrawan Thakur, electrical executive engineer of Sheohar, North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL).
“His comment had political overtones and it tarnished the image of our department, prompting the stringent action,” said Thakur, adding: “We have recorded his confessional statement in course of an inquiry conducted before his termination.”
The NBPDCL headquarters in Patna swung into action soon after Tiwari’s video went viral. Pankaj Rajesh, superintending engineer, Muzaffarpur, constituted a three-member inquiry committee, which met on March 31 and recommended Tiwari’s termination based on his statement.
On April 2, the assistant electrical engineer, Sheohar, terminated Tiwari’s engagement with the NBPDCL, said Thakur.
Rural revenue franchisees are individuals who work on a part-time basis and get 6% commission from discoms on the total collection of energy bills.
