Manohar Lal reviews Chhattisgarh power, advocates cess-free hydro

11 Jul 2024 CW Team

In a recent review meeting in Raipur, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, urged the Chhattisgarh government to avoid imposing cess on hydro power projects and Pump Storage Projects. This appeal, part of his efforts to lighten financial obligations for consumers, coincided with his one-month anniversary in the new government. The meeting, attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, and senior officials from relevant ministries and state bodies, focused on various aspects of the power sector.

During his address, Manohar Lal noted advancements in the power sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, citing achievements like the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and Saubhagya. He emphasized the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) as pivotal in enhancing DISCOMs' financial viability and reducing technical losses, aiming to ensure dependable, affordable electricity supply.

Discussions encompassed Chhattisgarh's progress under the RDSS, power sector reforms, electricity's role in enhancing quality of life, and issues related to NTPC and coal blocks. State officials provided updates, facilitating a comprehensive review of ongoing initiatives and challenges.

Manohar Lal specifically urged against imposing new financial burdens on hydro power and Pump Storage Projects, cautioning that such measures could escalate consumer tariffs. He recommended the state strive to lower AT&C losses below 10% to alleviate DISCOMs' financial strains.

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