Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting of the Power Development Department to review power situation during the upcoming summer months, today at Civil Secretariat.
The meeting discussed the various aspects to meet the high electricity demand and a multi-pronged strategy to ensure adequate availability of power, an official press release informed.
It said the LG directed the officers to strictly implement the decisions taken in the earlier meetings to meet any peak demand and proactive actions for robust power distribution and transmission systems.
The LG also directed to launch a campaign against theft of electricity. He said cases of theft should be tackled on priority since it is an important aspect to ensure energy security to all.
The LG sought a detailed report on the ongoing power sector projects and schemes such as installation of pre-paid meters. He directed the officers to analyse all the issues such as manpower augmentation & rationalisation to provide better power services to the people of J&K.
He further instructed to complete the augmentation and upgradation work of Grid stations on a war footing.
A PowerPoint presentation was given by H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department on actions taken on the directions during the previous review meeting.
LG also launched the Real-Time Data Acquisition System (RT-DAS). The system would provide real-time access to performance parameters pertaining to different feeders besides other benefits.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; along with other senior officials attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday inaugurated 576 flats for the Kashmiri Pandit employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s package, and said 2,000 more such accommodations will be ready by the end of this year.
While Sinha inaugurated 336 flats constructed at Khwajabagh in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, he e-inaugurated the remaining accommodations at Bandipora, Ganderbal and Shopian, an official press release informed.
It said the transit accommodations have been a long pending demand of the Kashmiri Pandit employees under the PM’s package. The demand gained momentum after the killing of an employee, Rahul Bhat, in May last year.
Speaking on the occasion, Sinha said the transit accommodations have been completed in a record time and will provide relief to these employees who were put up in different places.
He said the inauguration is a “testimony to our commitment to create adequate facilities for a future of prosperity and dignity of employees”.
The LG said the government is sensitive to the issues of the Kashmiri migrant families. “We understand their pain and are working with the right intent to complete the construction of residential accommodations on priority.”
The LG said the administration has taken various initiatives to expedite the process and 2,000 more flats will be completed by December 2023.
“There has been remarkable progress in various sectors, including industries, empowerment of citizens and building a competitive economy and inclusive society,” he added.
The LG said the government is committed to provide employment to the youth through different schemes.
“Our young generation is our greatest asset and they should take the lead to build a stronger, prosperous and more dynamic J&K,” Sinha said.
“Some vested interest spoiled the generations, separated your own brothers from you. Come forward and say that what had happened was wrong and now we won’t let it happen to anyone,” he added.
The LG also spoke on “progressive reforms” introduced to boost infrastructure, employment generation and ease of living in the UT.
“Today, the domestic and foreign companies are willing to invest in J&K. More than 1.25 lakh crore rupees worth highways and tunnel projects are going on in the UT. Increased flight operations in both Jammu & Srinagar airports, improved road and rail connectivity have brought J&K closer to the world,” he added.
The LG also shared the key initiatives taken to tap the growth potential of various priority sectors, extending handholding to budding entrepreneurs, creating large self-employment opportunities, and ensuring fast track & transparent recruitments.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary highlighted the efforts of the administration in the timely completion of the residential accommodations for PM Package Employees.
Senior officers from civil administration & police, PRI members and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
