Chief Minister Raghubar Das reiterated that the State is working to become power hub by 2019. He said that apart from fulfilling its own needs, the State will supply power to the nation also by 2019. He was addressing the gathering on Sunday after laying the foundation stone for a `279.52-crore Re-structured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (R-APRDP) , an ambitious project that will help improve power supply in urban areas serviced by Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam ltd (JUVNl), in Jamshedpur at Bagunhatu football ground.
Das said that Jharkhand Electricity Board will form a joint venture with NTPC and produce 4,000 electricity. He said that by 2018, every area of the state will be covered by electricity. He appealed to people to pay their electricity bill. He said that revenue collection against transmitted power from transformer is the responsibility of the junior engineers. He said that process for appointment of 600 linemen will be started from June 15.
He said that power is transmitted systematically in rural areas under Dindayal Upadhayay Yojana. He appealed to people to assist in underground cabling work to speed up electrification work.
Das said that the Union Government project Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (R-APRDP) under the 12th Five Year Plan is designed to strengthen power distribution system and reducing line losses in JUVNl areas.
The project, which will include construction of new power substations and renovation of the old ones, modernisation and strengthening of 33/11 KV transmission lines, installation of new transformers and laying of underground cables, will ensure uninterrupted power supply to Jamshedpur, Ghatshila, Mosabani, Chaibasa and Chakradharpur.
Jamshedpur MP Mr Vidyut Varan Mahato, Potka MlA Menaka Sardar, DC, SSP and officers of the administration were present on this occasion.
In the morning, the Chief Minister also attended a function organised by the State labour Department to mark International labour Day at Michael John Auditorium in Bistupur.
He went to say that Jharkhand is a mineral-rich State, but until the labour force is made skilled, the state cannot prosper. “Our Government is working hard to increase the skills of workers and help them grab opportunities,” noted the Chief Minister.
Das also declared that the state would celebrate September 17 as Workers' Rights Day from this year, apart from observing the labour Day.