The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) on Friday, reaffirmed its demand for uninterrupted power supply during a press conference at the ASU office.
Despite the ASU’s appeal and demand for uninterrupted power supply for the student community during the HSLC and HSSLC exams, the State Capital continues to reel under power shortage.
During the press conference, the apex student body of the Angami community highlighted the challenges faced by the students preparing for exams due to the lack of provisions like inverters and emergency lights. Although, the ASU has presented its concerns to the department with a 48-hour timeframe, Khriesamhalie Mere, President, ASU expressed disappointment at the lack of resolution. Mere also affirmed ASU’s commitment to pursue the issue until their demands for uninterrupted power supply during exams resolved. Various volunteers have been mobilized across town to monitor power supply status, stated Mere. Clear action plans has further been formulated to proceed with future plans if the government fails to meet their demands, added Mere.
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The importance of a conducive environment for students during exams was highlighted by Vimeyiekho Vitso, General Secretary, ASU, who expressed disappointment over the Power Department’s failure to provide regular power supply despite a 48-hour ultimatum.
Vitso mentioned that the ASU has been engaging in discussions with the Department of Power, Executive Engineer, Kohima division, Chief engineer from Distribution and Revenue to address the irregular power supply in Kohima and other districts. However, Vitso stated that the ASU has reached a point where they cannot comprehend any reasons for the power issues beyond ensuring a stable power supply in the interest of the student community.
Following the meeting on February 8, three officers from the concerned department visited the ASU office and after extensive discussions, the officers provided a written communication to the ASU, including specific facts and figures, informed Vitso.
The written communication acknowledged the grievances of the student community, revealing that the department had proposed to the state government the purchase of additional power from the market where 7 to 60 Mega Watts of additional power are required to support students during this critical time.
Making it clear that the ASU will not dictate the actions of the department or government, Vitso reiterated the ASU’s clear demand for power stability and regular electricity supply during exam periods. “Within the next two days, the ASU would implement certain action plans to reinforce their position. Despite February 10 and 11 being government holidays, we urge the department and government to utilize these days to explore alternative arrangements,” stated Vitso.
Although the reasons provided by the department on the irregular power supply was acknowledged, the ASU officials expressed disappointment since the issue has been persistent for an extended period. The recurring nature of the problem, was stressed where every year, student bodies have to raise the same issue with the same department
In this regard, the ASU officials has also appealed to consumers in the State to use electricity judiciously.
