Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited Faces Fresh Scrutiny Over Financial Lapses
Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), which previously faced criticism for double billing incidents in March, is now under renewed examination for significant financial oversights. The utility company has failed to deposit house rent allowance (HRA) for UT employees who were transferred to CPDL, alongside neglecting to pay over Rs 9 lakh in license fees owed to the Chandigarh administration.
Official Correspondence Highlights Persistent Issues
The UT engineering department has escalated concerns by dispatching two formal letters to the director of CPDL, urging immediate resolution to prevent complications and potential audit objections. These communications follow repeated inaction from CPDL despite prior notifications from the UT administration.
In a letter dated March 19, the UT executive engineer emphasized the urgency of depositing HRA for employees residing in government accommodations from February 2025 onward. The correspondence referenced the Chandigarh Electricity Reforms Transfer Scheme (First Amendment) Scheme, 2026, noting that government accommodations from the Electricity Wing of the Engineering Department (EWED) have not been transferred to CPDL. The letter explicitly requested detailed employee information and payment via demand draft to avert future disputes.
License Fee Discrepancy Adds to Financial Woes
A subsequent letter on March 20 addressed a separate financial discrepancy involving license fees. It revealed that various employees and retirees had paid Rs 9,17,012 through E-Sampark Centres between February 1, 2025, and September 15, 2025, which was erroneously credited to CPDL's account. The UT administration has demanded a refund via demand draft to avoid audit objections, yet no response or action has been received from CPDL to date.
CPDL Leadership Declines Comment Amid Growing Pressure
When approached for clarification, Arun Kumar Verma, director of CPDL, did not respond to inquiries. An official spokesperson for the company stated that CPDL prefers not to comment on matters where the Chandigarh administration has directly communicated with the director, leaving the issues unresolved and raising questions about accountability.
This situation underscores ongoing challenges in the management of employee benefits and financial transfers within Chandigarh's power distribution framework, potentially impacting employee morale and administrative efficiency.
