Maharashtra Minister for Energy, New and Renewable Energy, State Excise Chandrashekhar Bawankule called on Union Energy Minister R K Singh and asked for funds to implement the Saubhagya Yojana. The Central Government scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisages providing electricity to the last man in the society.
Bawankule also discussed various other programmes being implemented by Maharashtra Government. He also asked for Central funds for Deendayal Upadhayay Yojana and IPDS. He was accompanied by Principal Secretary (Energy) Arvind Singh, Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) Director Vishwas Pathak and other senior officers.
Giving the low down of current electricity programme in State, Bawankule said that currently 1965 clusters do not have power infrastructure and there is plan to reach 712 clusters in the first phase through Deendayal Yojana. For remaining 1213 clusters where 25,954 persons resides there is need of Rs. 246 crores. As per the survey carried out by Government about 27,092 families are still without power and funds would be required to lay new infrastructure. Similarly in Urban area to ensure round the clock power supply to 27,092 families the State would need Rs. 14.39 crores.
The plan worked out by MSEDCL has assumed that it would cost Rs. 26.78 crores for reaching 15,225 clusters in 228 villages through traditional method or using non conventional energy sources. The power infrastructure in these village have been reported stolen and hence they are without electricity. Also there is need to reach out to tribals in Gadchiroli and Nandurbar Districts through Saubhagya Yojana. Bawankule informed Singh that about 14,280 families in 247 villages have been provided electricity by MAHAURJA, using the non conventional energy resources. But the instruments in these villages are in need of replacement, the State Minister pointed out to his Union Government counterpart.
Also Rs. 447.09 crores are required for strengthening the power infrastructure in Adivasi clusters many of which are located in hilly region of the State. A sum of Rs. 50.90 crores would be required for installing LT and HT lines here.
Source: thehitavada
