Bhagalpur, June 4, 2025: District Magistrate (DM) of Bhagalpur has issued strict orders to disconnect electricity connections of those consumers who do not cooperate in installing smart meters. In a high-level review meeting held at the Review Building on Tuesday, the DM instructed the Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department to deploy three-and-a-half times the manpower to meet the pending installation targets.
He also directed that applications for new electricity connections must be resolved within one month and asked all government departments to immediately clear their pending electricity dues.
Push for Infrastructure and Smart Metering
The DM emphasized the importance of achieving 100% smart meter installation and said that field teams must expedite the process. Additionally, he reviewed the progress on the NH-80 road project, directing that the work be completed by the end of June.
As part of infrastructure upgrades, South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) will soon begin construction of a new CT lab and meter store in the MRT Division Office at Barari Road DVC Colony. An investment of ₹29.94 lakh has been allocated for this purpose. The new lab, expected to begin construction in July, is aimed at speeding up meter testing and calibration processes, ensuring more accurate billing and efficient service.
Road Works Under Close Watch
According to the Path Division’s Executive Engineer, 18 road repair schemes under Package 29A and 12 under 29B are underway. These schemes, part of the OPRMC project, are being monitored on a monthly basis to ensure timely completion.
Panchayat Funds and Gram Kachhari Backlogs
The DM also expressed concern over the slow spending of allocated funds under the 15th and 6th Finance Commission in Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis. He directed the Deputy Development Commissioner to hold a review meeting and speed up the utilization.
A separate review of Gram Kachhari (village court) proceedings revealed a backlog: of the 472 civil and 315 criminal cases filed, only 85 civil and 47 criminal cases have been disposed of so far. The DM instructed to seek clarification from Gram Kachhari secretaries responsible for the backlog and even recommended suspending salaries of those showing negligence.
He pointed out that delays in civil case resolution often escalate into criminal disputes, and resolving them at the village level can reduce pressure on civil courts. “Gram Kachhari is the lower court and its order holds legal weight,” the DM said.
