The power scenario continues to be a matter of concern in spite of the State government's best efforts, Governor K. Rosaiah told the Assembly on Monday. Non-addition of generating capacity by the previous government and lackadaisical response from the Centre to the government's request for additional allotment of power from Central Pool had put the people in a fix.
To revive the sinking power utilities from the financial mess, the government had provided Rs.2,600 crore as share capital support and Rs.955 crore as loan. “This government is making all-out efforts to improve the energy availability and reduce the power shortage.”
Since the assumption of office by the present government, the capacity addition was 30 megawatt (MW) under the State Sector, apart from a share of 113 MW from Central Generating Stations. Besides, windmills of 556 MW had been established. New projects with a total capacity of 4,704 MW would be commissioned in two years.
A land pooling system would be followed in green-field road projects to enhance benefits for land owners. A performance-based maintenance contract system would be put in place in Coimbatore Circle and scaled up throughout the State.
On laying roads using plastic waste, he said 146 km of roads were being taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.50 crore.
The government was formulating a comprehensive policy and sector specific policies on the key and emerging sectors to promote industrial growth. “We will strengthen the infrastructure along the potential industrial corridors to promote the speedy growth of industrial clusters and achieve a balanced industrial development.”
The government would constitute an Infrastructure Development Fund to give a fillip to implementation of critical projects. It would come out with a new Public Private Partnership policy to synergise the resources of the government and the private sector in project implementation. On the formation of the Infrastructure Development Board, Mr. Rosaiah said a Bill would be introduced during the coming Budget session.
Emphasising the need for reinforcing the State's dominant position in software exports, he said an expert committee would be formed to advise the government on attracting more investments in hardware manufacturing.
