Power reforms switched on, RS clears Bill

The Bill also provides for a penalty of upto Rs 10,000 for wastage of electricity. These proposals were mooted by the Congress, which had supported the original Bill on a condition that their suggestions would be incorporated in the final draft.

Geete told the House that ‘power for all’ was a dream project and an empowered task force headed by Planning Commission member N K Singh was exploring ways to lure private investors into the sector.

The Government’s aim was to generate about one lakh megawatts of additional power with Rs 4,00,000 crore. This sum could come from private parties only, he said.

The Power Minister tried to allay fears of members that privatisation would deprive the poor and rural populace from power as private companies could hike the tarrifs beyond their capacities.

Geete said power privatisation meant an end of monopolies and the process will ensure a competitive atmosphere in which the consumer would be the ultimate gainer. He said the Bill had punitive provisions to ensure that private companies did not discriminate against sections of society and they extend power for all through competition.

While Congress supported the Bill only Left parties and a lone DMK member criticised the Centre’s deregulatory policies.