Union Minister Manohar Lal Reviews Chhattisgarh Power Sector in Raipur

Raipur: The Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of the power sector for Chhattisgarh in a meeting held in Raipur today. The session was attended by several key officials including Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vijay Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, and Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the State Government, and various CPSEs were also present.

The review primarily focused on the progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in Chhattisgarh. Discussions also covered power sector reforms, measures for facilitating ease of living through electricity, issues related to NTPC, and the development of coal blocks. State government officials provided necessary inputs on these topics.

Manohar Lal, in his address, emphasized that his visit marked exactly one month since assuming his new role in the government. He highlighted the significant accomplishments of the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past decade, particularly through schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and Saubhagya.

The Union Minister underscored the importance of initiatives aimed at improving consumer experience with electricity services under the Ease of Living (EoL) framework. He stressed the need to provide reliable, quality, and affordable electricity to all consumers. He noted the critical role of RDSS in enhancing the financial viability of DISCOMs and reducing technical losses. Furthermore, he directed efforts towards the electrification of 100% of un-electrified households, especially those of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Manohar Lal requested the State Government to avoid levying any cess on hydro power projects and pump storage projects, as such levies increase tariffs for consumers. He advised that, despite being close to the national average in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, the state should strive to reduce these losses to below 10% to minimize financial burdens on DISCOMs. He also urged the State Government to resolve issues related to NTPC projects and address land acquisition and mining lease issues for developing captive coal blocks. He assured continued support and cooperation from the Government of India for the overall development of Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the Union Minister and thanked him for his prompt visit. He provided an overview of Chhattisgarh’s power sector, highlighting the state’s aim to achieve a power surplus and ensure uninterrupted supply for all categories of consumers, with a regulated supply for agriculture. He also assured consideration of waiving levies on pumped storage projects.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma welcomed the Union Minister and highlighted the continuous support from the Government of India. He noted the state’s compliance with various directions from the central government and highlighted progress in urban development schemes initiated by the central government.