Power Sector Reforms: Oversight and Accountability

The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched with the ambitious objective of overhauling India’s power distribution infrastructure, was envisaged to address chronic issues such as high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses, unreliable power supply, and poor revenue recovery. It promised 24×7 quality and reliable electricity to all consumers, especially in rural and remote areas, through system strengthening and smart metering.

An ambitious Rs. 5,200 Crore project allocated for RDSS to Jammu and Kashmir (divided nearly equally between Jammu and Kashmir Divisions) to strengthening 33 Kv and 11 Kv infrastructure laying of ACSR (Aluminum conductor steel reinforced) AB (Aerial Bunched) cable conductors, (DTRs) distribution transformers, smart metering and anti loss measures as AT&C losses in Jammu and Kashmir remain the highest compared to national average. Rs. 215.68 Crores specific tender value for development of power distribution infrastructure in Anantnag under RDSS tender No: CE/P/KPDCL/RDSS/Ant02 of 2022-23 was issued. The project was supposed to bring revolutionary changes in stabilization and strengthening of power distribution network.

However, the execution in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in South Kashmir, has been riddled with serious deficiencies.

Persistent Losses and Poor Delivery

Despite hundreds of crores allocated for infrastructure augmentation, including new transformers, feeders, and smart meters, the scheme has failed to yield measurable improvements. In several areas, T&D losses remain alarmingly high at 45–60%, far exceeding the national average and well above the permissible thresholds under RDSS guidelines. Billing efficiency and revenue realization are equally dismal, undermining the financial health of the power sector and causing sustained losses to the state exchequer.

Even in locations declared “completed” under RDSS, frequent outages, voltage fluctuations, and repeated transformer breakdowns continue. Ground reports suggest much of the so-called “upgradation” is cosmetic, marked by substandard equipment, poor execution, and in some cases, leaving infrastructure worse than before.

Legislative Oversight Triggered

In response to public concern, the Chairman of the Public Undertakings Committee, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, constituted a dedicated sub-committee headed by Hon’ble MLA Mir Saifullah and comprising Dr. S. Bashir Ahmad Veeri (MLA Bijbehara), Mr. Showkat Hussain Ganiae (MLA Zainpora), and Mr. Shakti Raj Parihar (MLA Doda West) to conduct spot inspections and evaluate RDSS implementation in areas claimed by the department as complete or near completion.

The committee’s mandate includes:

• Verifying whether DPR objectives have been met;
• Assessing quality and durability of installed infrastructure;
• Recording consumer grievances and feedback;
• Evaluating accountability of contractors/executing agencies;
• Measuring actual improvements in supply reliability, billing, and satisfaction.

Findings: A Disturbing Picture

The committee’s visits revealed widespread public dissatisfaction. Residents protested against poor-quality work and a high-handed approach by executing agencies, who often disregarded community concerns.

The scheme was due for completion by June 2025, yet departmental progress reports show dismal achievements, vindicating public criticism:

Sanctioned Cost: ₹217.51 crore Overall Achievement: 34.97% DTR Completion: 5% ACSR Conductor Laying: 16.90% AB Cable Laying: 41.12%.

Steel Tubular Poles: 76.86% One crucial agriculture feeder was inexplicably dropped from execution, though authorities have since assured its inclusion.

Execution Irregularities in South Kashmir

A serious anomaly lies in the dual agency structure. In Central Kashmir, KPDCL (JKPDD) is the executing agency, whereas in South Kashmir, the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) is the project implementing agency. PGCIL further allotted the work to Polycab Company, which in turn sublet it to smaller contractors, resulting in opacity and weak accountability.

In Bijbehara constituency, RDSS aimed at stabilizing the entire network, including replacing old wooden LT poles and upgrading conductors to insulated cables. Surveys began last year, and works were initiated in areas such as Dupatyar, Kanelwan, Guri, Jablipora, Veer Nowbugh, Arwani, HP Bagh, Sangam, Zirpora, Gadiseer, Katriteng, among others.

Key irregularities include:

Deviation from DPR: The original DPR prepared and submitted by KPDCL two years ago included 19 feeders in Bijbehara. PGCIL’s subsequent survey covered only 10 feeders.

Misallocation of funds: Excessive quantities were utilized at PGCIL’s discretion to maximize expenditure, leading to non-execution of works in several areas.

Left-out areas: Wopzan, Waghama, Kanelwan, Marhama, and Panjpora, all part of the original DPR, remain untouched.

Wasteful spending: Unnecessary replacement of slightly tilted poles and installation of excess transformers in select areas without consultation with local PDD staff, leaving other needy areas unaddressed.

Stalled progress: Despite more than a year passing, no location has been fully completed, despite repeated public representations..

Reduced project scope: Original DPR commitments were diluted due to misallocation of funds and poor planning.

Comparison With Other Regions

While Central and North Kashmir have seen some measurable progress, smart meter and AB cable installation leading to partial loss reduction, South Kashmir, particularly Bijbehara, remains deprived of both loss reduction and consumer relief due to PGCIL’s sluggish and opaque execution.

Call for Transparency and Accountability

The following must be clarified on priority across the regions.

The original completion target date;

Whether delays have triggered penalties under contract terms;

A firm revised completion timeline so that public commitments, including 24-hour power supply, are honored.

The RDSS was envisioned as a flagship Central Government scheme to modernize power distribution and reduce losses. If allowed to languish under inefficiency, mismanagement, and token execution, it will not only squander public funds but also erode public trust in governance itself.

Dr S Bashir Ahmad Veeri, is a sitting legislature & contributes occasionally on matters of public policy, governance, environment, agriculture & water resources. The views expressed are personal.