Distribution Reforms Committee Approves Rs 6,283 Crore Outlay

Bhubaneswar: Distribution Reforms Committee meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena here today. The committee has reviewed the Action Plan and Detailed Project Report (DPR) to be submitted to the Ministry of Power under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and accorded in principal approval.

During the discussion, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Nikunja Bihari Dhal outlined the agendas for discussion where the Chief Secretary emphasised on the utilization of this opportunity to develop a Cyclone Resilient Network in Coastal area as Power Distribution Network in the Coastal area is most vulnerable to the damage due to Cyclones.

Around 70% of the funds shall be invested for the development of Cyclone Resilient network which will ensure uninterrupted Power Supply to Critical Installations like Hospitals, Evacuation Centres, Water Supply points, Emergency Control Rooms and Administrative blocks, he said.

In the meeting, a total outlay of Rs 6283 Cr was approved out of which Centre shall fund Rs 3942 Cr and rest amount of Rs 2341 Cr will be borne by the State exchequer.

Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is conceptualized with an objective to improve the Reliability & Quality of supply, operational efficiencies and financial sustainability by providing financial assistance to DISCOMs for strengthening of Power Distribution Infrastructure.

Among others, Principal Secretary for Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Sushil Kumar Lohani, Chief Executive Officer of TPCODL M Shenbagam, OPTCL CMD Sanjay Kumar Mishra, GRIDCO MD Trilochan Panda along with other officials participated in discussions.