Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy R.K Singh at New Delhi today. Chief Minister held deliberations with R.K Singh about protecting the interests of the state due to the revenue losses likely to be incurred due to deferred royalty in the power projects executed by SJVN and NHPC in the state.
He requested for free power as per the state's power policy and emphasized that these power projects should come back to the state after forty years. The Union Minister agreed in principle that state should get at least 12 percent minimum royalty and suggested to review the matter of royalty and all other points of concern of the State Government by the team of officers from both sides with Central Electricity Authority as an independent authority so that state could get its fair share.
He agreed for completion of review by 20th January on the request of Chief Minister. Chief Minister also requested for enhancing the installation of smart meters in the state in a phased manner besides enhancing the time limit for installation and not linking the same as a precondition for releasing funds by GoI for strengthening power infrastructure. The Union Minister agreed for the same.
Chief Minister also urged for fulfilling the announcements made by the Union Minister during his previous visit to tribal areas. He also requested to release ten crores for two solar power projects of 400 kw each in Pangi for which the Union Minister agreed.
Principal Adviser to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Bharat Khera, Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty and PPS to CM Vivek Bhatia were also present in the meeting.