Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, conducted a review of Jharkhand’s power sector and urban development schemes in Ranchi. The meeting, attended by Sudivya Kumar, Minister of Urban Development and Housing Department, Government of Jharkhand, and officials from State and Central Governments, focused on key areas for improvement in the state’s power department. Discussions included the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), AT&C losses, debt restructuring for State DISCOM, and installation of smart meters.
The Union Minister emphasized the need to address high AT&C losses in Jharkhand and suggested measures for debt restructuring and timely clearance of outstanding dues. He also stressed the importance of installing smart meters for high load consumers and accelerating electrification projects for Tribal households. Additionally, the State was urged to expedite the implementation of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM schemes, along with rooftop solar installations on government buildings to reduce power demand from the grid.
Reviewing resource adequacy and intra-State transmission planning, the Union Minister aimed to ensure the state’s preparedness for growing power demand. Progress under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) for Tribal household electrification was also discussed, with a call for faster implementation. The meeting highlighted the importance of meeting targets under various schemes to enhance power infrastructure and reduce financial burdens on the State budget.
