You are aware that Power Ministers Conference of all States and Union Territories was held through video conferencing on 03 July 2020 by Union Power Minister Sri R K Singh. Agenda of conference was Liquidity infusion in financially stressed DISCOMS , Introducing Reformed linked New Distribution Scheme, Presentation on Renewable Energy and draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020. Four PPT Presentations were done in conference on all these topics. All presentations done are attached for ready reference.
2. Indicative measures suggested in Conference for action plans in Distribution are (all paving paths for privatization in distribution & to facilitate private houses) ...
a. Adoption of PPP Model, Franchise Model, CPSU Joint Ventures etc.
b. Corporate Governance reforms.
c. Creation of IT Cadre.
d. Set up Electricity Police Stations.
e. Prepaid smart metering and consultancy.
f. Performance linked transfer policy in DISCOMS.
3. It is learnt that 12 states namely Kerala, Telangana, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan & Punjab strongly opposed many clauses of draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 and demanded to put it on hold. Presentation of Kerala is attached for ready reference.It is also learnt that some BJP ruled states also raised their concerns, ifs & buts.
4. Although due to very strong opposition from 12 states Union Power Minister could not succeed to take any decision in haste in 03 July conference but presentations done by MOP & press note issued (Copy attached) clearly shows the intentions of MOP, GOI to go ahead and rush through the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 in coming monsoon session of Parliament.
5. After the Conference the Minister informed the press that a new distribution scheme will soon be announced after merging Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). Centre’s funding to States is being made conditional in the new scheme. The States or UTs whose DISCOMs are not in loss will have no problem in getting the funds but the states/UTs whose DISCOMs are in loss will have to give a proper plan (PPP or Franchisee model) as to how they are going to eliminate the losses to get funds. Due to strong opposition on Electricity (Amendments) Bill 2020 the Minister could say only that various State /UT Governments and other stakeholders have given various suggestions on the proposed Electricity (Amendments) Bill,2020, and the suggestions made during the meeting were noted while their mis-founded apprehensions were clarified.
6. As explained we have to continue and accelerate our campaign against the ill motives of Electricity (Amendments) Bill 2020. Massive campaign and publicity is required amongst power employees, power consumers mainly farmers and public representatives MP's and MLA's so that GOI may not be able to rush through the Bill unilaterally in Parliament.
Long Live Power Engineers & Employees Unity.
Shailendra Dubey
Chairman