DEPARTMENTAL CIRCULAR (COMMERCIAL) No. 680

Sub: Change in billing procedure from six monthly to quarterly in respect of Agricultural Consumers.

It is decided to change the procedure of agricultural billing from six monthly to quarterly from October 2003. As per present practice the billing of agricultural consumers is done on six months basis. Bills for six months should be issued for period ending September 2003 as heither-to-before. But first quarterly bill is to be issued for period October 2003 to December 2003 in December 2003 payable in January 2004.

While issuing bills for period ending September 2003 intimation to the consumers may be given along with bills regarding future quarterly bills to be issued and first quarterly bill will be issued in December 2003. Necessary instructions are issued to Director (IT) in H.O.D. meeting. Simultaneously, publicity through press releases in the local newspapers may also please be arranged for information of consumers.

You are requested to direct all billing centers under your control to implement the programme accordingly in co-ordination with local I.T. centers.

The work of sending quarterly bills of agricultural consumers may be got done by utilizing the existing / surplus staff under your control. If required, outside agencies may be utilised for meter reading & bill distribution following Board’s procedure. Separate instructions for outsourcing of works including meter reading are already issued by C.E. (IR). The problem of additional stationary like bill forms etc. may be attended at your end.

In view of above, you are requested to arrange for issue of bills for agricultural consumers quarterly at end of December, March, June, September of each year instead of six monthly at end of September & March. First quarterly bill of agricultural consumers is to be issued in December 2003 payable in January 2004.

Chief Engineer (Commercial)