DISCOMs authorized for implementation of PM SGMBY
*Nod to re-structuring of Mechanical Sub-Divisions
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, May 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet is reported to have authorized the DISCOMs for implementation of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for AAY households to provide 200 units of free electricity per month and ordered creation of six new divisions and several other new posts as part of reorganization of Jal Shakti Department including Secretary Technical, separate Design, Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) etc.
The Cabinet met this afternoon for over an hour at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Public Service and Outreach Office at Gupkar Road, Srinagar for over an hour.
“Chief Minister chaired a Cabinet meeting today in Srinagar to deliberate on a range of important administrative proposals aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating sustainable and inclusive development across J&K,” a post by Office of the CM said on X after the meeting.
It, however, didn’t elaborate.
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Official sources, however, told the Excelsior that the Cabinet approved creation of six new Divisions in the Jal Shakti Department as part of its Cadre Review and Reorganization.
The new divisions include Hydraulic Divisions at Gandoh, Gurez and Tangdar, PHE division Mendhar; and two Water Quality and Monitoring Divisions in Jammu and Srinagar.
It approved creation of Secretary Technical post and separate DIQC in the JSD besides the offices of Superintending Engineers, Hydraulic Circles Jammu-II and Bandipora.
The Cabinet is reported to have given nod to re-structuring of Mechanical Sub-Divisions, creation of 43 posts by corresponding reduction of existing 62 posts, encadrement of 10 posts and re-assignment of 137 posts (within cadre).
The Cabinet also gave its nod to the proposal of the Jal Shakti Department for change in deputation reserve/leave reserve posts.
“The deputation posts of Chief Engineers have been raised from existing five to seven while deputation reserve/leave reserve posts of the Superintending Engineers will be at five percent each from existing 25 percent to 10 percent to maintain 30 percent and 15 percent strength respectively,” the sources said.
Similarly, the deputation reserve posts of Executive Engineers have been raised from existing 25 percent to 35 percent while the deputation reserve posts of AEEs have been decreased from 25 percent to 20 percent.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet authorized the DISCOMS to implement PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana under the RESCO/Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model for installation of 2 KW Rooftop Solar Systems (RTS) for AAY households, to provide 200 units of free electricity per month to them.
The Cabinet also authorized the Power Development Department (PDD)/DISCOMS for conveying the decision taken by it and forwarding draft RFP to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for necessary action.
“The Cabinet decided to authorize the DISCOMs for floating the RFP including effecting any changes within overall framework of implementation being approved and taking further necessary action for award of work for execution of the scheme,” the sources said.
The scheme will address chronic energy poverty among the poorest households and contribute to Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets, the sources said, adding this will also reduce transmission losses in remote areas through localized generation.
They said this will also reduce financial stress, enable reasonable electricity usage and improve living standards of the poorest.
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