LUCKNOW, July 27 -- Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad has opposed the Centre's proposal to allow parallel power distribution through private players, arguing that the state's electricity distribution infrastructure has been built using money recovered from consumers over the years and should not be opened for private use. The objection follows Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar's statement that the government is working on a framework for parallel distribution licensing. This framework would allow multiple power suppliers to use the same distribution network, similar to the telecom sector, giving consumers the option to choose their electricity supplier. Calling the proposal "anti-consumer," the Parishad claimed in a statement that the total value of assets owned by Uttar Pradesh's power distribution companies is around Rs.1.83 lakh crore, all created through public investment recovered via electricity bills. It questioned how private distribution licensees would be allowed to use these assets and what direct benefits consumers would receive in return. htc...