Tata, BSES submit tenders for power in Kanpur

MUMBAI, JUNE 9: Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Naresh Agarwal today said that though his government has initiated steps for massive reforms...

MUMBAI, JUNE 9: Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Naresh Agarwal today said that though his government has initiated steps for massive reforms, it will take at least five years to improve the overall performance of the Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Board.

“We have trifurcated the board into three separate corporations, power distribution, power generation and hydro-electric power corporation. I am sure, in next five years, we will be in a position to earn sufficient profits,” Agarwal said.

While two big industrial houses have approached the government for setting up power plants in the private sector, the Tata as well as Mumbai-based Bombay Suburban Electric Supply (BSES) company have submitted tenders for distribution of power for Kanpur city.“Our first experiment in privatisation of power distribution will be in Kanpur. So far, the Tatas and BSES have approached us. Final decision will be taken soon,” he said.

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Agarwal, founder president of the Lok Tantrik Congress, said there was no question of any single political party coming to power either in Uttar Pradesh or at the Centre. “We are in a coalition era, for which there is no alternative,” he pointed out.

On the controversy over the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, Agarwal said his government will abide by the directive of the Supreme Court. “We will not take any decision, unless there is a special directive from the Supreme Court,” he said.