In a rather unique way of ensuring safety, officials working in the Electricity department in Jamshedpur wear helmets on duty and ask anyone who enters the office to also wear one.
It is because the 15-year-old office in Akashdeep plaza is in a dismal state. The ceiling’s wooden beam is weak and the fan hanging from the beam can fall anytime.
One of the three officials working in this office, Sudarshan Paan, sits right underneath the fan. He thought it was best to wear a helmet on duty because he feels safe. Meanwhile, he allows only those people to enter and pay the electricity bills who have helmets, the rest are asked to pay from the window counter. As many as 600 people visit this office everyday to pay bills and for other electricity related concerns.
The condition of the building has been dismal since May this year. The officials claim that they have also complained to the SDO, who also sits in this office, but have only got assurances in return.
“We are putting their lives in risk while doing their duty and fear that a big tragedy can take place any day if the dilapidated structure is not fixed soon,” they say.
