Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) disconnected the electricity supply to the Dharmanagar Cricket Association in North Tripura on Monday. The action followed non-payment of outstanding dues amounting to Rs 10.17 lakh over the past year. The move came a day after Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath voiced strong concerns over the state’s worsening payment compliance across sectors.
According to TSECL officials, repeated notices and reminders went unanswered. Despite being one of the most active cricket bodies in North Tripura, the association failed to clear long-pending bills for its office and training facilities. Officials said the disconnection was part of a larger crackdown on chronic defaulters, irrespective of their profile or affiliations.
The power cut has triggered dismay among the cricketing community, especially young players who used the facility for training. Members of the Dharmanagar Cricket Association called the disconnection abrupt and requested some leniency, citing their contributions to the development of youth sports in the district. They added that the association is in the process of arranging funds and will soon clear the dues.
A senior TSECL officer said that the power corporation has been under growing financial pressure due to widespread defaults, not just from individuals but also institutions. The corporation, he added, is focusing on stabilizing its revenue flow to avoid disruptions in electricity supply and infrastructure investments.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath recently emphasized the importance of financial discipline among all power consumers. During a press briefing, he noted that unpaid dues across various districts had exceeded sustainable levels. He called for strict enforcement and warned that even government offices or sports bodies would not be spared if they default on payments.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the move. While some supported the enforcement of accountability, others questioned the timing, arguing that youth-centric organizations should be given a longer payment window or assisted through government grants. They also pointed out that the cricket association has played a key role in identifying and nurturing local talent.
In response to the public reaction, TSECL officials clarified that prior warnings had been issued multiple times and that the disconnection was a last resort. They added that the power supply would be restored immediately upon partial payment or a formal plan to clear the outstanding dues.
The incident has drawn political attention as well. A few opposition leaders accused the state government of targeting non-political organizations while overlooking irregularities in other departments. They argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration should focus on systemic reforms rather than taking punitive action against community bodies.
Despite the controversy, the Power Department stood firm. Minister Nath reiterated that reforms in the energy sector required tough decisions and that payment discipline would remain non-negotiable. He added that the government would explore alternative support mechanisms for essential institutions, but they would have to maintain timely payments to avoid recurrence.
As of Monday evening, the Dharmanagar Cricket Association remained without power. Several scheduled training sessions were cancelled, and the staff began using backup generators for basic operations. The association has appealed to the North District administration for temporary support and sought urgent intervention to help them restore normal functioning.
The TSECL’s move signals a shift toward stricter financial oversight across Tripura’s utility services. Observers believe this could set a precedent for other states grappling with revenue shortfalls in their public utilities. The state’s broader campaign for bill recovery appears poised to intensify in the coming weeks.
