CM Omar pledges power sector overhaul

Jammu, Mar 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday pledged an overhaul of the power sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to a question from Member of Legislative Assembly, Shakti Raj Parihar in the J&K Legislative Assembly, CM Omar who also holds the portfolio of the Power Development Department (PDD), said that Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) was being implemented to curb losses and modernise power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that J&K’s transmission and distribution losses are among the highest in India.

The CM said that these losses were significantly higher compared to neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

“And until we control this situation, our current AT&C losses are around 50 percent. For every rupee worth of electricity we supply, we face a loss of around 50 paisa. We will have to gradually reduce this and bring it in line with the levels of neighbouring states. For this, the RDSS scheme has been implemented,” he said.

CM Omar was replying to a starred question about the total funds allocated and utilised under the RDSS for the member’s constituency.

He explained that under RDSS, in addition to smart metering works, funds had been sanctioned for various “Loss Reduction (LR)” works.

“These include AB cabling, HVDS, reconductoring, feeder bifurcation, and segregation, depending on district-specific technical requirements,” the CM said.

He said that the funds for LR works had been sanctioned at the district level rather than for individual constituencies.

CM Omar informed the House that the sanctioned cost for LR works in Doda district was Rs 86.28 crore, with the works awarded in September 2023.

“The funds for these works are being released by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in different tranches based on the progress of the projects. So far, Rs 17 crore has been released in two tranches, both of which have been fully utilised. Funds for the next tranche are being sought as per the norms of the scheme,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the slow progress of RDSS projects, the CM said that after the issuance of the sanction order, the package (including Doda district) was tendered for the first time on March 31, 2023.

“However, due to a poor response, the tendering process had to be extended three times. Finally, the bid was opened on August 4, 2023, and awarded on September 8, 2023,” he said.

CM Omar said that 12.25 percent progress had been achieved so far, and the works were moving forward at full pace with no delays.

“Going by the current pace, it is expected that the works in Doda district will be completed well within the sunset date of RDSS, which is March 31, 2026,” he said.

The CM said that the RDSS Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were formulated in two parts, one which includes LR works and smart metering projects and Part B which covers modernisation works.

“The DPRs for both parts were submitted to the MoP. However, the sanction has been received only for Part A works,” he said.

Regarding Part B, CM Omar said that the DPRs were currently at the appraisal stage with the Nodal Agency of MoP.

“Once the Part B DPRs are sanctioned by MoP, the modernisation works will be awarded as per the terms and conditions specified in the sanction order,” he said.