Centre approves Rs 8,054 cr to strengthen power infra in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir has received Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal’s nod nod to a grant of Rs 8054 crore for strengthening Transmission and Distribution components, without which the target of ‘Power Force All’ by 2019 cannot be completed.   As per repports, of the Rs 8,054 crore worth grants, Rs 4,054 crore are proposed to be used for strengthening Transmission Component, while Rs 4,000 crore for Distribution Component. Further, the Union Ministry of Power has appointed Deloite as Consultant for Jammu and Kashmir, who will study infrastructural requirements of the state on twin fronts – Transmission and Distribution and prepare the final report after scrutinising the documents, after which it will submit the report to the government, according to reports. The funds would be granted after the consultant submits its final report on how Jammu and Kashmir would proceed in strengthening Transmission and Distribution. Deloite will suggest measures on how to proceed ahead, taking into account the uphill task of strengthening infrastructure for Transmission and Distribution of Power in Jammu and Kashmir considering the terrain and geography of three regions.   It is known that the Rs 8,054-crore worth grant for Transmission and Distribution Components has been made part of ‘Power For All’ scheme of the Prime Minister, for which the funds would be in addition to the PMDP. Reportedly, the approval of the Rs 8,054-crore worth grant for Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening power infrastructure in the state will go a long way in improving the power scenario in the state, along with also helping the state compete with other states and achieve the target of ‘Power For All’ by 2019.