New Delhi (NVI): The government is working to remove problems in power distribution sector and a policy and regulatory framework for DISCOMs is in offing in this regard, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.
PM Modi made this statement while addressing a webinar on effective implementation of Union Budget provisions in the power and renewable energy sector.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, “The Government of India’s approach for the power sector has been holistic and four mantras have guide the approach are Reach, Reinforce, Reform and Renewable energy.”
“For reach, last mile connectivity is needed. This reach needs to be reinforced by installation capacity, for that reforms are needed and along with all this renewable energy is the demand of the time,” he added.
PM Modi also said that, “In India’s growth and development, the energy sector has also been a huge contribute. This is a sector which is connected to both ease of living and easy of doing business”
The Prime Minister also pointed out that the capacity of renewable energy has also been enhanced 2.5 time in the last six years and solar energy capacity increased by 15 times.
“Already, 4 GW solar capacity is installed through rooftop solar projects in India and 2.5 GW will be added soon, while 40 GW solar power is aimed in next one and half years through rooftop solar projects,” he added.
PM Modi also said, “This year’s Budget has shown unprecedented commitment towards investment in infrastructure. This is evident in Mission Hydrogen, domestic manufacturing of solar cells and massive capital infusion in Renewable Energy Sector.”
Referring to performance linked incentive (PLI) scheme, the Prime Minister informed that high efficiency Solar PV module are now part of PLI scheme and government is committed to invest 4,500 crore rupees in that and hoped for a massive response to the scheme.
Under the this scheme, 10,000 megawatt (MW) capacity integrated solar PV manufacturing plants will be operationalized with estimated investment of Rs 14,000 crore, he said.
This is likely to increase demand for locally produced materials like EVA, solar glass, backsheet, junction box, the Prime Minister said, adding that, “We want to see our companies to become global manufacturing champions, not just to fulfil local demands.”
He further said the government treats power as a separate sector not as part of the industry sector. “This innate importance of power is the reason for the government’s intense focus on making power available everyone,” the Prime Minister said.
The government is also working to remove problems in distribution sector and for this a policy and regulatory framework for DISCOMs is in offing, PM Modi said, adding that, “Consumer should be able to choose his supplier as per performance like any other retail commodity.”
The Prime Minister noted that energy sector plays big role in country progress and the webinar is an indication of trust between the government and private sectors and an attempt to find ways for quick implementation of the budget announcement for the sector.
The government is focused on reaching every village and every household. With regard to capacity reinforcement, India has become a power surplus country from power deficit country, PM Modi said.
“‘India has added 139 Giga Watts (GW) capacity in recent years and reached the goal of one nation-one grid-one frequency. Reforms like UDAY scheme with issue of Rs 2 lakh 32 thousand crore worth bond were undertaken to improve financial and operational efficiencies” he added.
Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh, stakeholders, experts of the power sector, officials of the Ministry of Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy were also present in the webinar.
-RJV
