Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 8: Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal has given nod to a grant of Rs 8054 crores to Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening Transmission and Distribution components without which the target of ‘Power Force All’ by 2019, a deadline set for complete electrification of the State by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can’t be completed.
“Out of Rs 8054 crore worth grants, Rs 4054 crores are proposed to be used for strengthening Transmission Component and Rs 4000 crores for Distribution Component,” official sources told the Excelsior.
The Union Ministry of Power has appointed M/s Deloite as Consultant for Jammu and Kashmir for scrutinizing documents and prepare final report for undertaking work on strengthening of Transmission and Distribution Components before work is taken on the Prime Minister’s `dream project’.
Sources said Goyal was given a detailed briefing on power network in Jammu and Kashmir by Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, who holds charge of Power Development Department while the Power Ministry officials have been briefed by the State bureaucrats.
“It was in this context that the Central Government has appointed M/s Deloite as Consultant for Jammu and Kashmir to study infrastructural requirements of the State on twin fronts-Transmission and Distribution and prepare final report after scrutinizing the documents and submit report to the Government,” sources said.
However, they added, the Central Government has, pending preparation of final report, given its nod to sanction of Rs 8054 crore to Jammu and Kashmir Government for strengthening of transmission and distribution systems, which would lead to implementation of the Prime Minister’s ‘dream project’ of ‘Power For All’ by 2019 in the entire country.
The grants have been bifurcated into two components-Transmission and Distribution. While Rs 4054 crore have been earmarked for Transmission, Rs 4000 crore would be given for Distribution. The funds would start pouring in after M/s Deloite submits its final report on how Jammu and Kashmir would proceed in strengthening Transmission and Distribution, sources said.
Admitting that strengthening infrastructure for Transmission and Distribution of Power in Jammu and Kashmir is an uphill task going by the terrain and geography of three regions, sources said the Consultant would take this into account and suggest measures on how to proceed ahead.
“The round-the-clock electricity supply by 2019 for all people of the country including Jammu and Kashmir will require infrastructure strengthening both at Transmission and Distribution level. This will also require replacing of old dilapidated lines and sub stations. The provision for the same to a considerable limit has been earmarked under Prime Minister’s Development Plan (PMDP) worth Rs 80,000 crores that had been announced by the Prime Minister in November last year while addressing a historic rally at Srinagar,” sources said.
According to sources, Rs 8054 crores 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.
Asserting that approval of Rs 8054 crores worth grant for Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening power infrastructure in the State would go a long way improving power scenario in the State, sources said it would also help the State to compete with other States and achieve the target of ‘Power For All’ by 2019, which has been set by the Prime Minister himself and for which all States have been told that funds were not a problem.
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