Vyas reviews progress of flagship projects in power sector

*Takes stock of facilities for Kashmiri Migrants
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 14: Advisor to Governor B B Vyas today reviewed the progress of power sector and directed for curbing power pilferage and cutting down on transmission and distribution losses.
Speaking at a meeting in this regard, Vyas sought detailed progress on projects sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP-15).
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary PDD, Hirdesh Kumar, Development Commissioner Power Asghar Ali Majaz, Executive Director JKSPDC Ajay Gupta, and Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers of various wings of PDD and other senior officers.
Chief Engineer E&MRE Jammu and Superintending Engineers of the Jammu division attended the meeting through video conferencing.
The Advisor sought status of implementation of advanced technological interventional projects like establishment of Smart Grid in industrial areas, installation of 2 lakh smart meters in urban areas, besides installation 9.25 lakh consumer meters included in PMDP and other flagship schemes.
Stressing on curbing power pilferage, the Advisor said that smart grid projects for industrial areas will enable the department to monitor and control supply to these areas at remote control centres which shall facilitate 24X7 quality power supply to these areas.
He directed for early installation of the smart meters in urban areas where hassle-free communication is available and pre-paid meters in rural areas. He also said that with the installation of these meters, the manual meter reading will be dispensed with so that mechanism of billing system is made digital and foolproof.
The prepaid meters can be charged by the consumers in the same manner as pre-paid mobile phones are charged and consumers will get supply from the meter till pre-paid amount is exhausted and consumer can recharge the meter again for continuation of the supply.
Saying that the new initiatives shall help the department to cut down on the revenue deficit of Rs 3500 crore per year, Vyas asked the department to replace all existing conventional meters with smart meters and prepaid meters in 2-year time-frame.
To ensure timely completion of projects tendered to different companies, Mr Vyas directed the officers to ensure that the manpower provided by the consultants for execution of various schemes possess the relevant qualification and experience.
Meanwhile, Vyas  took a detailed review of the measures taken for improving the facilities for the Kashmiri migrants living in Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The Advisor directed the officials to complete the accommodation facilities in Kashmir for the employees under the Prime Minister’s Development Programme (PMDP).
Regarding the improvement of facilities at Jagti township in Jammu, Vyas asked the officials to ensure that all requisite housing and related amenities are provided to the inhabitants of the township.
The Advisor also called for making marked improvement in the existing facilities at the migrant camps.  He called for upgrading health facilities like setting up of operation theatre, additional equipment and machines and deployment of additional medical staff in the camps.  Director Health Services was also asked to submit a proposal for up gradation of sanctioned staff and infrastructure at an earliest.
Vyas asked the Secretary DMRR Talat Parvez to follow up the status of referred vacancies for migrants with the Service Selection Board.  He also directed Secretary DMRR to expedite balance cases of disbursement of relief for displaced persons of PoJK and Chamb allotted by the Government of India.
He also directed Divisional Commissioner Jammu to disburse the cash relief to West Pakistan Refugees through direct benefit transfer policy after conducting proper verification.
Taking a review of education facilities for the children of Kashmiri migrants in Jammu, the Advisor directed for providing the sufficient number of subject expert teachers at schools in migrant colonies.

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