Funds for Rural Power Project May Be Cut off for Slow Pace of Work

As rural electrification projects sanctioned under the 10th and 11th plan periods are still under execution, the Centre has warned the State Government of halting funds sanctioned for the second phase programme.

The Ministry of Power is yet to receive closure reports of 32 projects involving a cost of '3,948 crore sanctioned during the 10th and 11th plan periods for electrification of 14,525 villages and energisation of over 30.85 lakh BPL households under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutkaran Yojana (RGGVY).

'No payment will be released against 10th and 11th plans (Phase-I) projects beyond 2014-15 financial year. Fund against 12th Plan project of a district will not be released unless project sanctioned under 10th and 11th plans for the district is closed,' said Union Joint Secretary (Ministry of Power) B N Sharma in a letter to Principal Secretary (Energy) P K Jena.

While the State Government is yet to submit closure reports of the 32 projects sanctioned during 10th and 11th plan periods, a latest review of the rural electrification programme in the State by the Ministry of Power revealed that eight 33 KV sub-stations out of 32 units sanctioned have not been commissioned.

Though electrification works have been completed in 48 un-electrified villages, the distribution companies concerned are yet to take over the assets. Besides, 30 villages, where the works have been completed, have not been energised, Sharma said.

According to the review, electrification works have been completed in 14,544 un-electrified and 22,626 partially electrified villages. Electricity connection to 28.70 lakh out of 30.85 lakh BPL households have been provided free of cost. More than 2.15 lakh BPL households are yet to be covered under the programme.

Of the '3,948 crore released by the Centre under RGGVY, '3,331 crore has been utilised in the State with an unspent balance of '616 crore.

The New Indian Express