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New Delhi, August 16, 2010 Press Release


Women Empowered

Delhi CM flags off BYPL’ unique ‘Women Bill Distributor’ program




BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) has been continuously reaching out to its over 11 lakh customers and the society at large in East and Central Delhi. The company’s latest endeavour is designed to empower women, especially those belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Under this new initiative, BYPL is the first discom in the country, to engage women for distributing electricity bills - so far a male bastion - in East and Central Delhi.


In a simple ceremony at the Delhi Secretariat today, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt Sheila Dikshit, flagged off the first batch of 28 ‘women bill distributors’ engaged by BYPL. Others present on the occasion included, Smt Barkha Singh, Chairperson, Delhi Commission of Women, senior government and BYPL officials led by the CEO Mr Ramesh Narayanan.


Congratulating BYPL for launching this novel initiative, Smt Sheila Dikshit said, “Engaging women from the economically weaker sections of the society for distributing electricity bills will go a long way in empowering them. It will help bring about a change in the attitudes and mindsets of people. This initiative will once again reiterate the fact that women are second to none”.


“When women can join the Police, armed forces, work at petrol stations, then why can’t they also distribute electricity bills. In this field too, women will once again prove, they are capable of taking any assignment with aplomb”, added the Chief Minister.


“I am happy to note that this initiative will see women storming the last few remaining male bastions. Increasingly women are entering newer areas and professions and breaking the glass ceiling. This is a matter of pride for us”, remarked Smt Barkha Singh, Chairperson, Delhi Commission of Women.


Speaking on the occasion, BYPL CEO, Mr Ramesh Narayanan said, “BSES is an equal opportunities employer. The organisation already employs women in large numbers in staff positions – across levels and departments – and encourages them to take-up challenging assignments. Now, we also plan to engage women for field assignments. Employing them for distributing electricity bills is the first step in this direction. “In the second phase, we will engage women for meter-reading function also”.


He added, “Any field where women have participated has witnessed remarkable progress. High standards of customer services in the Telecom and the Airlines sectors are a case in point. I am certain; in field functions too, they will prove to be better than their male counterparts.





‘Women Bill Distributors’


In the first phase, the company is gearing up to progressively engage 150 women under this initiative. After the completion process of their induction and extensive training, the first-batch of 28 women is now ready for deployment. BYPL has 14 divisions spread across East and Central Delhi. To begin with, each of the divisions will have 2 women bill distributors. Over next few days, 50 more women bill distributors will be deployed– taking the total count to 150 over the next few months.


Second Phase (Deployment of ‘women meter readers’)


In the second phase, BYPL plans to engage and deploy an additional 150 women also for the meter-reading (downloading) function.


Identity and Recognition


‘BYPL women bill distributors’ will have their own unique identity. To facilitate their instant recognition, they will be donning a special orange coloured jacket – with BSES logo - that has been designed for them. They will also carry a photo identity card for easy identification.


Benefits of the initiative


Increased Understanding and Sensitivity – Eighty percent of BYPL’ customers are domestic. In a large number of households, women are at home during the day. Engagement of Women Bill Distributors will increase their comfort level and they will be able to share their issues and concerns. This is a conscious effort on part of the company to improve the field level interaction with the customers and add an element of sensitivity in the dealings. This initiative will further strengthen relationship between the company and its consumers.


Increased efficiency – Globally, studies have shown that participation of women in business leads to a quantum increase in service deliverables. This initiative will further increase efficiency in BYPL’ bill-distribution.


Process of Bill Distribution – These women bill distributors, will collect their quota of the electricity bills from the area supervisor and report to him. The company has taken extra care to ensure that the area given to these women bill distributors is in the vicinity of their residence. This will ensure that alongside their work, they can also take care of their families.


According to a BYPL spokesperson, “Earlier, the women Customer Care Officers (CCO’s) engaged by the company in its division offices had brought about a quantum increase in operational efficiencies. This initiative, too, will lead to an increase operational efficiencies.


BRPL and BYPL, Delhi’s premier power distribution companies are committed to ensuring quality and reliable electricity supply to all their consumers.

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For further information please contact:

Prashant Dua

Chandra P Kamat

Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications

39999870 / 9312007822

39999642/9350130304


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