Condition for power in Nilphamari

They alleged that nobody got power from the Samity if he failed to buy Mindong Pump, an inferior quality locally assembled irrigation pumps. They also alleged that a certain pump trader had secret understanding with the Samity officials.

Three farmers at Jorabari village, Nurul Islam, Rashidul Islam and Shahidul Islam alleged that their prayer for power was not granted previously for purchasing Pedrolo Pump of Italy and Winter Pump of China. They alleged that the Samity officials told them categorically to purchase Mindong Pump from a certain trader for power connection.

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The farmers said that they got power connection within two days of submission of receipts of purchasing Mindong Pump from Monsurur Rahman of Monsur Engineering Works in Domar town.

Other farmers, Anwarul Islam. Nonigopal Roy, Biswanath Barmdu of Dolapara village told that the Samity gave power connection to about 500 villagers who purchased Mindong pumps.

Making best use of the situation, the aforesaid trader is doing a brisk business. He is allegedly compelling the farmers to buy 3 Horse Power (HP), 4 HP and 5 HP Mindong pumps at the rate of Tk 14,500, Tk 19,500 and Tk 21,5 00 respectively whereas irrigation pumps of other brands are being sold at almost half the price.

Some others alleged that paid additional Tk 500 as bribe to a certain wiring inspector, Tk 600 to a certain lineman and Tk 400 to a certain electrician after paying the required official fees.

When contacted, Monsur Rahman said he has to purchase motor, pump and spare parts from market to assemble those for sell. He sells 3 HP pump at Tk 10,000, 4 HP pump at Tk 12,000 and 5 HP pump at Tk 14,000 respectively. He had sold about 100 irrigation pumps to farmers in Domar and Dimla upazilas, he said.

However, he admitted that he was not an authorised dealer of Mindong Pump of China.

On contact, Nilphamari Polli Bidyut Samity assistant general manager (AGM) Mainuddin refuted the allegation of doing favour to a certain trader. He further said that in the on-going IRRI-Boro season, 900 irrigation pump owners got power connection. Of them about 200 pump owners possessed Mindong pumps, he said.