Review of Power and Urban Development Sector, Punjab
by Minister of Power, Govt. of India
7th November 2024, Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh
Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal reviewed the urban development schemes and the power sector scenario for State of Punjab at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh today.
Shri Harbhajan Singh ETO, Minister of Power & PWD, Govt of Punjab, Dr Ravjot Singh, Minister of Local government, Govt of Punjab, and Shri Hardip Singh Mundian, Minister of Housing & Urban development, Govt of Punjab were present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the State Government and officials from Govt. of India (GoI) from Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and Ministry of Power along with officials from Power Finance Corporation and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
During the meeting, matters related to overall Power Sector scenario and Urban Development programmes in the State of Punjab were discussed. Further, issues related to execution of works under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and possible action plans were discussed. It was deliberated that the State should strive to award the pending sanctioned works and hasten the execution of works resulting into better power infrastructure and improved quality of supply.
The State also highlighted concerns related to usage of captive coal mine for plants of Talwandi Sabo and Nabha power plants and allocation of power from central sector plants. Additionally, the State briefed about the efforts made for bringing improvement in financial parameters of the PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd.).
Minister Department of Power & PWD, Minister Department of Local Government and Minister Department of Housing & Urban Development for State of Punjab thanked Union Minister for his visit to Chandigarh for review of State of Punjab in respect of issues related to the Power sector and Urban development and also highlighted concerns of the State. Further, it was remarked that the State would make all out efforts for over all improvement in these sectors.
In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs welcomed all the dignitaries to the meeting. He mentioned that his visit to the State would help in better understanding of the issues and their resolution.
He highlighted the role of RDSS in bringing improvement in the electricity distribution sector and in strengthening electricity distribution infrastructure and advised the State to expeditiously award and implement the works sanctioned under RDSS.
He also emphasized that the State should strive to improve the financial conditions of the DISCOM and try to bring it into profits over time. He mentioned that the State should also examine the alternative of establishing thermal plants at pit-head.
Union Minister of Power assured for continued support and cooperation of the Government of India in the overall development of the State and wished for the well being of the people of the State.
