We need an urgent national plan on electrical safety

#GS-02 Governance

For Mains

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) deaths due to electric shocks and fires have increased from 2,957 in 1990 to 15,258 in 2020.
Over 90% of the people who die due to electric accident are general public.
Geographically most of the deaths are happening at rural areas but urban poor is also under threat.
Currently there is no mechanism to ensure that the electrical utilities are following the safety guidelines setup by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
There is more focus given on compensating the victim rather than on accident prevention.

Proper monitoring on safety regulations being followed and conduct safety audits.
Fill the vacancies in states for Electrical Inspectors and increase their numbers to meet the demands of a rapidly electrifying nation.
Create awareness among the general public about electrical safety and its importance.
Collect sufficient data to ensure a better system can be put in place to reduce the chances of such accidents happening in future.