Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, June 6: Notwithstanding the fact that energy conservation assumes much importance for the power starved Jammu and Kashmir, the legislation framed in this regard more than two years ago could not see the light of the day till date and now the Government has awaken to the need to carry out certain amendments in the law in order to authorize Bureau of Energy Efficiency of Government of India to exercise powers enshrined in the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Conservation Act.
The nod to carry out amendment in the State Act by way of issuance of ordinance was given by the State Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah this evening.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that for efficient use of energy and its conservation the State Government, on the pattern of Union Government, enacted Jammu and Kashmir Energy Conservation Act on April 23, 2011. For the implementation of the Act and discharge of all the functions, the establishment of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency was imperative.
As per the Act, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to specify norms for process and energy consumption standards, prescribe guidelines for energy conservation building codes, develop testing and certificating procedures and infrastructure, specify qualification for accredited energy indicators and lay specification procedure for energy manufacturers etc.
Moreover, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is also having the powers to carry out verification, monitoring and analysis of use of energy including submission of technical report containing recommendations for improving energy efficiency with cost benefit analysis and prepare an action plan to reduce energy consumption.
Despite being aware of the importance of the Act particularly in view of the prevailing scenario in the State, the Power Development Department failed to establish the Bureau of Energy Efficiency during the past two years on the pretext that procedure was very lengthy and will take much time.
“Finally, the department woke up from the deep slumber and finally decided to seek the services and expertise of Bureau of Energy Efficiency of Government of India till establishment of such a body in the State and approached the Cabinet early this year for final decision”, sources said, adding “on the advise of the Cabinet the opinion of the Law Department was also obtained in view of the constitutional implications of the proposal”.
As the Law Department has now opined that provision sought to be incorporated in the Act is a transitory one and not in any manner inconsistent with the constitutional position enjoyed by the State as such the Bureau under the Central Act can exercise powers in pursuance to authorization by the State Government which can be modified/withdrawn any time by the State, a fresh proposal was placed before the Cabinet today.
“The Cabinet discussed the issue in detail and finally gave nod to carry out necessary amendment in the Act”, sources said, adding “as the State Legislature is presently not in session and implementation of Act has already been delayed for more than two years, the Cabinet gave nod to amend the Act by way of issuance of J&K Energy Conservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013”. Now, the Governor will be approached for his approval to the Ordinance.
The Cabinet also approved promotion of Farhat Hussain Qadri, Manager Government Press Srinagar as its General Manager with effect from August 18, 2012. Moreover, the Cabinet also accorded sanction to the creation of 7 posts for Zila Sainik Welfare Office at Kargil.
The resolution brought by the School Education Department regarding recruitment of teachers under SSA in upgraded Primary Schools through Rehbar-e-Taleem Scheme was also approved by the Cabinet.
Follow our WhatsApp channel