Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo chaired a high-level review meeting on power sector reforms, safety measures, and implementation of central and state schemes. The meeting was attended by H&UD Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Rural Development, Panchayatiraj & Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, ACS Energy, Vishal Kumar Dev, CMD OPTCL, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary PR & DW, S N Girish and senior officials of Energy Dept, DISCOMs.
Highlighting the government’s focus on renewable energy and affordable housing, Dy. CM Shri Singh Deo announced that PM-Surya Ghar Yojana will be attached to different housing schemes of the Government of Odisha, including Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana.
It will be a option for the beneficiary. Our aim is to ensure that every beneficiary under PMAY and other housing schemes also gets the benefit of solar power. By attaching PM-Surya Ghar with state housing programs, we will provide 24×7 clean and affordable electricity to the people, while reducing their electricity bills, said Dy. CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. Under the scheme, a subsidy of Rs. 30,000 from the Centre and Rs. 25,000 from the State will be provided for 1 KW rooftop solar installation in urban areas. The beneficiary has to pay ₹1875 for 1KW solar panel. The Dy. CM directed DISCOMs to prioritize public safety measures across urban and rural areas. Key decisions taken include: underground cabling worth ₹3708 Cr project to be taken up in all 4 DISCOMs to replace overhead lines. Preparation of a comprehensive Safety DPR for Odisha DISCOMs.
Shifting of low-hanging wires, insulated conductors in place of bare conductors, installation of fencing at distribution substations, PSS boundary walls, and cradle/guard wires for LT protection.
Development of a utility shifting portal/app and LTDB for LT protection. The Dy. CM also reviewed the implementation of PM-SGMBY & ULA Model for both urban and rural electrification including poles, wiring and street lights.
The Dy. CM Shri Singh Deo emphasized that the State Government is committed to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power to every household in Odisha. He directed officials to ensure time-bound execution of all safety and infrastructure projects. All the above departments will work in coordination to provide safe & reliable service.
