Question : OUTSTANDING DUES

(a) the details of outstanding dues of Railways against the various Power Houses and State Electricity Boards (SEBs) as on date;

(b) whether the Railways are facing financial crisis due to non-recovery of the said dues;

(c) if so, the steps taken by the Railways to recover the said dues;

(d) whether the Railways propose to introduce any concessional scheme for the Power Houses and SEBs to encourage them to adopt pre-payment of freight for carriage of coal etc.; and

(e) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

(b)&(c): Freight accrual and realization is a continuous process. Special drive for clearance of outstanding dues by forming teams of Accounts and Commercial officials are launched from time to time. Close monitoring of recovery of outstanding dues from State Electricity Board (SEBs) is being done by holding regular meetings with the representatives of State Electricity Boards/Power Houses and periodical meetings with the concerned Ministries and the States. Power Houses are also being encouraged to follow the scheme for pre-payment and electronic payment for carriage of coal. As a result, the total outstanding amount due against Power Houses/ State Electricity Boards has come down to Rs. 844.74 crore as on 31.1.2012 as compared to Rs. 891.21 crore to end of 31.1.2011. Incidentally, the matter regarding outstanding dues amounting to Rs. 442.17 crore against PSEB, which was subjudice since long, has been decided by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and action is being initiated as per the ruling. The matter regarding dues against Delhi Vidyut Board is also under consideration of Group of Ministers.

(d): No, Madam. There is no such proposal at present.

(e): Does not arise.