Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh on Thursday said the Power Development Department (PDD) will be a game-changer for Jammu and Kashmir in coming years. He said various initiatives are being launched to turn-around this key sector and improve state’s financial health.He said the state government is going to introduce administrative reforms in PDD to avoid stagnation and devise a transparent mechanism to achieve targets effectively.Singh said this during a meeting convened here today to review the progress in power sector with officers of PDD at Banquet Hall in Srinagar. The Deputy Chief Minister said PDD should strictly adhere to the power supply schedule and take to task such unscrupulous elements who indulge in electricity pilferage.“Curtailing power losses and curbing power theft will not only improve the financial state of the power department but it will also earn goodwill for the department as well as the state government among the people,” he said.
Dr Singh asked the officers to gear up their machinery for improving the power supply in the state with the onset of working season and tourist season in the state. Calling for quick redress of grievances, he stressed the officers to ensure that public should not be made to suffer.Hinting at introducing administrative changes, Singh said the promotions in the department will be made on the basis of performances and some key administrative reforms will also be introduced to avoid stagnation.The Minister said that uninterrupted power supply to industrial units will remain the focus of the state government, “Helping such entities will not only tackle the issue of unemployment but it will also help in boosting the economy of the state,” Dr Singh said.Earlier, the PDD officers informed the Minister that the department registered Rs 20.23 percent increase in revenue collection as compared with the last financial year.