“Power for All” by 2021-22 initiative of the Union Government is indeed a very bold and daunting initiative of the Government of India. The scheme has already been launched and there is countrywide movement to implement its recommendations seriously if we want to overcome the power requirements in the country. The State has not been left out of the loop and the State Government has often reiterated that it would ensure the scheme become functional in the State. We hope the State Government will ensure that the target is reached in time.
However, we want to draw the attention of the Power Department to some important clauses in the national scheme. It envisages creation of a technical institute where youth would be provided with elementary skills by way of support structure to power generation and transmission… Skilled and trained human resource is crucial to the success of the schem of providing power by 2022 to all households in the State. Moreover, efforts are also required to be made so that personnel of the power sector become more cost-conscious and consumer friendly. As a first step in this direction, the Government in the Power Budget for 2014 -15 financial year announced setting up of a dedicated institution under the name Chenab Power Management and Training Institute. However, evasive approach continued right from the very beginning as a result of which no substantial progress could be made towards giving practical shape to this much-needed institution. Establishment of Chenab Power Management and Training Institute was again touched upon by Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu while presenting Power Budget for 2016-17 financial year and he claimed that steps were taken to operationalize the institute. But no steps have been taken in this direction so far. Will this institute come up or not is anybody’s guess.