Non-professional Management of the System

Do you agree along with the following statements? Put yes or no against each statement.

- Most distribution utilities operate within a traditional style without adopting professional management practices. Their emphasis seems to be more on paper work.

- The skills and knowledge-base of the staff working within the distribution utilities are not upgraded continuously. They are not properly trained in several operations, latest technologies and proper manages of systems on a continuous basis.

- New technology in metering etc. also has not been adopted because of the huge initial cost. Most utilities still rely on manual systems and clerical entries. This is a not efficient way of functioning and also aids corruption. As far as possible, all operations of the utility, (e.g., billing, meter reading, and invoicing) should be computerized.

- Overstaffing and indiscipline is a general phenomenon in distribution utilities. However, there is a shortage of skilled workforce in significant technical and professional areas.

- Lack of commercial culture, accountability and transparency in operations are a few other areas of concern within the management of utilities. Conclusion, performers, who might be few, get subsumed through the non- performers.

The following could be a few of the purpose for this state of affairs:

- Since their inception, the utilities were commonly operating without a focus on commercial viability; the idea was to reach to a wider customer base globally and ensure widespread electrification as far as possible.

- The Managements never stressed on accountability of individual employee/officer to the utility and the consumers. Also the employees did get an opportunity to be heard on several issues related to good management.

-  The system lacked transparency.

-  There is common lack of concern for public property, decline in value system and work culture.

What other reasons could you think of?