Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today stressed on coordinated efforts for successful and effective implementation of the initiatives undertaken for power sector reforms and infrastructure development to cover all un-electrified villages in the state.The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at a meeting convened to review the status of power development works under Din Dayal Uphadaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer PDD (M&RE) Kashmir Shahnaz Goni, Chief Engineer PDD (M&RE) Jammu Ashwani Kumar Gupta, Superintending Engineers of various circles besides Executive Engineers and other concerned officers of the Power Development department.
The Deputy Chief Minister took detailed review about the status of ongoing and pending works for rural electrification taken up under the flagship scheme in targeted districts of Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri and Kishtwar of Jammu province and Bandipora, Kupwara, Leh and Kargil of Kashmir division.It was informed that the augmentation of infrastructure and rural electrification in these districts is in full swing and target for the electrification of 51 villages will be completed by the end of December, this year.The Deputy Chief Minister said that state as well as Union Government has prioritized speedy rural electrification in the targeted districts. He said regular review of pace of work has been made mandatory for close monitoring and timeline completion of the projects.
Describing electrification as a prime mover for rural development, he said power is pre-requisite for all industrial activities and contributes significantly in increasing agricultural productivity, jobs and income generation avenues.“In the past two years, rural electrification has witnessed an unprecedented progress as it is our aim to provide 24×7 power supply to every village,” Dr Singh added.He also directed the officials to expedite the work of electrification of geographically remote locations that would be connected with off-grid sources of power.The Deputy Chief Minister also asked the Chief Engineers to convene regular meetings with Project Implementing agencies and concerned engineers so that the process of implementation of the schemes can be properly monitored and the requisite feedback got.He added that future reviews shall focus on problems at the village level to expedite and keep close tab on the progress of works. Meanwhile, reviewing cumulative inspection report of Jammu division, the Deputy Chief Minister was informed that the Department has conducted 28146 inspections till date during which Rs 2.69 crore fine was imposed and 8032 connections involving a load of 12 MW were regularised and brought under the ambit of power tariff.It was further informed that during similar inspections in Kashmir Division, the Department realized Rs 2.61 crore fine and regularized 12.5 MW load.