Union Minister of State for Power, New and Renewable Energy R K Singh today directed for speedy and effective implementation of various schemes being undertaken in JK's power sector so that Prime Minister's initiative of providing electricity to every household by December 2018 is realized.The Minister was speaking at a meeting convened to review the status of various initiatives undertaken in the power sector by the State Government.Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Minister of State for Power Syed Farooq Ahmed Andrabi, Joint Secretary Power, Government of India, Principal Secretary PDD J&K, other senior officials and representatives of project implementing agencies were also present.
The Union Minister directed the officers to ensure timely completion of central government schemes in power sector and their implementation within the stipulated time.He said the officers and the executing agencies should work in a coordinated manner to ensure successful closure and completion of the developmental initiatives.Union Minister also asked for taking necessary measures for ensuring that the Prime Minister's initiative of power for all is realized and requisite electricity is provided to the consumers. He said we have to ensure that every household of the state is electrified by December 2018 for which the consumers would be provided the connections free of cost and the programme would be demand driven.
He also assured every possible support of the Union Ministry and said that the state should not hesitate in projecting the demands as may be. He said the centre would very liberally provide the requisite funds and other logistics for upgrading and augmenting the power generation and transmission as well.The Union Minister also directed for exploring the possibility of installing smart and prepaid meters so that the Revenue realization is increased and the losses on account of the same can be compensated. He also asked for exploring other power generating avenues like solar and wind as well besides hydroelectricity.The Deputy Chief Minister while speaking on the occasion said the schemes would be taken on a mission mode so that they are successfully implemented. He said the state would fully supplement the central initiatives so that these programs are completed within the stipulated timeframe.“The Prime Minister's vision of providing 24x7 electricity to every household of the state would be implemented in transparent manner so that there are no un-electrified villages or hamlets," Deputy Chief Minister added.He said in order to speed up the implementation of various schemes, central PSUs have also been roped in as project management and implementing agencies. Principal Secretary PDD Mr Dheeraj Gupta gave an overall presentation about the power scenario and the status of implementation of various state and central schemes.