STELCO withholds details of outstanding debt by SOEs, govt. authorities

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has withheld the details of outstanding debt owed to the company by state-owned companies, government authorities and independent institutions.

There have been complaints over the failure by some SOEs and government authorities to pay electricity bills.

Sun requested details from STELCO regarding outstanding debt owed to the company by state-owned enterprises, government authorities, and independent institutions as of October 27, filing the request under the Right to Information Act.

STELCO refused to disclose the information, citing that the disclosure of the information could adversely impact the interests of the company.

Sun has learned that many SOEs and government authorities owe millions in outstanding payments to STELCO, but, has been unable to verify this due to STELCO’s decision to withhold the information.

STLECO has reportedly been facing financial difficulties due to the outstanding payments. 

STELCO cuts off electricity for the public who fail to pay bills after warnings, but state-owned companies and government authorities with millions in unpaid dues have faced no such action.