Mescom gets its first woman MD

Mangaluru: Snehal Rayamane took charge as the new managing director of Mangaluru Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) on Monday, October 8^th. For the first time in the history of Mescom, a woman has become the managing director of the company. She is originally from Ankali village in Chikodi taluk of Belgaum district and is an IAS officer of the 2013^th batch. She started her service as the assistant commissioner of Chikmagalur and was also the CEO of Dharwad Gram Panchayat (GP). Now she has become the MD of Mescom, within whose limits comes Dakshina Kannada (DK), Udupi, Shimoga and Chikmagalur districts. Here is an exclusive interview of Snehal with ‘Udayavani’.

How will you handle this new responsibility after becoming an IAS officer?

I have just taken over charge. It will take me 15 days to understand the department. Later I’ll tour the districts coming within my jurisdiction and understand their realities.

Can people expect any changes from you in the Department?

This is a public job. It is our duty to give good service to the people by efficiently handling the responsibilities given to us. If there is some new change that can be possibly done, then I will definitely do it. I will implement good suggestions from the people. I will try to make the Mescom Janasamparka Sabha even more effective.

Mescom has suffered a loss of Rs 15 crore due to natural disaster. How will you recover these losses?

Our aim is to provide electricity to the people without any hindrances.  Along with this, in order to recover the loss, the financial resources will be codified and inspected following which action will be taken.

There are many empty posts at various levels of Mescom, when will the posts be filled?

I have noticed that many posts in the department are empty. This issue will be put forth during the next board meeting with aim to fill them. Now, I might be the MD for the department; tomorrow I might go somewhere else. But, there is an expectation, respect and faith of the people on this institution and I will work to increase that even more.

What can you say about coming to DK district?

After I became an IAS officer, I have to work in any corner of the country. But, since I am a ‘Kaanadathi’, if I get to work anywhere in the state, it will be like home itself. Hence, I am very happy to have come here. Due to this reason, I have made preparations to stay in Mangaluru for a long time and provide good administration. I have been to Mangaluru earlier, once during probation period and once with my family. Like all, I love the beauty of the sea here.

From CEO of GP, now you have come to Mescom; how will you handle this?

I have studied journalism and human psychology. There is a lot I have to study at this new post. But if one has interest and commitment to learn, nothing is difficult. There are many technical posts in Mescom. In this point of view, coming from the background of humanities and joining a technical institution, I’ll take this as an opportunity to further improve the system and be experimental. In this way, I will find solutions for the problem-questions here.

How will be your functionality in the department?

I have come to this post to do work, and I’ll achieve it. I expect the same from the officers and staffs of the department. It’s my nature to mix with the people. By not only sitting in the office, I will be with the people and work. On the other hand, I’ll be visiting the officers more than them visiting my office. In this way I’ll understand their functionality. In case I see a mistake, action will be taken. It is my wish that when I am going in the right way, the rest should also follow the same.

Interview by Suresh Puduvettu translated into English by Aaron Dmello