Union Minister Manohar Lal Urges Chhattisgarh Govt to Waive Cess on Hydro and Pump Storage Projects

GG News Bureau
Raipur, 11th July. Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of the power sector in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, emphasizing on key reforms and development initiatives.

In a meeting attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, and Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, along with senior officials from various ministries and state government bodies, discussions centered around the progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and other critical issues.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Manohar Lal underscored the need for enhancing Ease of Living through improved electricity services, highlighting achievements under schemes like Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and Saubhagya. He stressed on the importance of reliable and affordable electricity for all consumers, emphasizing the role of RDSS in reducing technical losses and enhancing DISCOMs’ financial viability.

The Minister urged the Chhattisgarh Government to refrain from imposing any cess on hydro power projects and Pump Storage Projects to prevent additional tariff burdens on consumers. He also urged expedited resolution of issues concerning NTPC projects, including land acquisition and mining leases for captive coal blocks.

Assuring continued support, Manohar Lal reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to the overall development of Chhattisgarh.

In response, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the Union Minister and highlighted the state’s efforts to achieve power surplus status while ensuring uninterrupted supply, particularly for agriculture. He pledged to consider the issue of waiving levies on Pumped Storage Projects.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation from the Government of India, highlighting the state’s compliance with central directives and progress in urban development schemes.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from both sides to collaborate further for the advancement of Chhattisgarh’s power sector and overall development initiatives.