Power cuts in exam season is lack of vision

HYDERABAD: B Saritha, a resident of Dummugudem village in Khammam district, is appearing for Intermediate examinations which began on March 2 but is in complete distress as her preparation is marred by the eight-hour power cuts _ at night and in the wee hours.Accusing the government of lack of foresight and negligence, she said the government, despite knowing that March-April is the examination season, had not cared to plan in advance for purchase of power from outside.If it really felt helpless about the power situation, it should have advanced the exams. Like Saritha there are lakhs of students who are taking the Intermediate examinations and facing untold hardships. The prevailing power shortage is creating panic students too..Power cuts have also been impacting industries. As summer progresses, the demand for power increases further and , consequently, the duration of power cuts may be extended further in view of the decline in generation. According to officials, the power demand at present ranges from 280 to 290 million units a day is likely to go up to 300 MU by the end of March.The government, finding itself in a helpless situation, increased power cuts with effect from Thursday. Besides the scheduled power cuts, people are facing unscheduled power cuts in towns and villages. March is crucial for students as Intermediate exams are going on. SSC examinations will begin on March 28 and degree exams from the end of this month.Industries Mulling Non-payment of TaxesHYDERABAD: Industries, reeling under severe power cuts, are thinking of stopping paying all taxes and bills if the government fails to supply electricity to them for at least 25 days in a month. Industrialists and their representatives are meeting here on March 24 to discuss the power situation and chalk out their course of action.They complain that though the government nets huge revenue in the form of taxes and others from industries, it has failed to take care of their needs.Industries are in doldrums with the government deciding to supply power to them only for three days a week. While several industries are on the verge of closure, others are working below their capacity with production reduced almost to half