Chief Minister Raman Singh has said that treating electricity as ‘concurrent subject’ and not as a ‘union subject’ would help in the growth of power sector, which has been plagued by uncertainty, policy paralysis and indifferent attitude.
He said that power sector could only be revived by empowering States and providing flexibility to them in policy making. Principal Secretary (Energy) , Chhattisgarh government, Aman Kumar Singh read out Chief Minister Raman Singh’s address at the 8th Power Ministers Conference held in New Delhi on Tuesday.
In his speech, the Chief Minister mentioned that a framework should be evolved to foster inter-state cooperation and coordination, apart from cooperation between the Centre and respective state governments.
He added that the Centre should also focus on bringing reforms in distribution and improving financial and commercial viability of the Discoms. The Chief Minister suggested that that the Centre should consider channelizing support and subsidies to financial institutions like REC and PFC as it will help in reducing cost of borrowings for states.
He stated that growth and development of agricultural sector could be ensured by recognizing electricity as a key input to the sector.
The Chief Minister added that farmers in Chhattisgarh have been getting free-of-cost power supply up to 7500 unit per year and assistance in getting power connection for irrigation pumps by state government.
He further suggested in bringing a centrally-sponsored scheme for pump electrification. Singh also urged the Centre to set up a central-level training institute for capacity building in power sector and proposed to provide free 25 acre of land in Naya Raipur for the same.
Secretary to Chief Minister and Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company ltd. (CSPDCl) Subodh Singh also attended the conference.