The Hindu : More thrust to power sector reforms

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 22, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

More thrust to power sector reforms

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE March 21. The Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, has reiterated the Government's resolve to step up power sector reforms and improve revenue collection.

Presenting the State Budget for 2003-04 in the Legislative Assembly today, he said budgetary support for the power sector would be linked to actual outcomes in the sector.

This would mean measurable reduction in technical and commercial losses from 32 per cent now to 30 per cent in the next fiscal year.

`Meet targets'

He said all consumption would be metered, and the electricity supply companies would have to ensure that the targets set under the metering programme were achieved during the year.

Mr. Krishna said that from the next fiscal year, the Government would adopt the "purchases-provider" model for Budget subsidy support to the power sector.

Stressing the Government's commitment to privatising electricity distribution, Mr. Krishna said that the Government would move "decisively on this front" from the current year.

He said that in the coming year, four lakh households covered under the Ashraya and the State-funded housing programmes for the economically weaker section would be given electricity connections under the Bhagya Jyothi and Kutira Jyothi schemes.

Interest waiver

Mr. Krishna also announced that farmers who paid the principal electricity dues in full would be given the benefit of interest waiver. This scheme would be operated for a three-month period from April 1 to June 30, 2003. The interest waiver for farmers would come up to Rs. 285 crore, he added.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Rs. 105.68 cr. deficit budget presented

Govt. can adhere to Mid-term Fiscal Plan: Krishna

Amorous constables get sound thrashing

Tax on 36 professions, new vehicles increased

Oppn. terms Budget `soft and unrealistic'

Anti-war sentiment palpable in Mysore

Revenue from online lottery to fund midday meal scheme

Bank adopts chimpanzee

More thrust to power sector reforms