Rajasthan and Haryana discoms to turn profitable before time, says Goyal

With Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), the government started to clean-up the state discoms in the country. Now according to the Union Power minister Piyush Goyal, the efforts have started to show positive results.

He said, “I am happy to share that Rajasthan and Haryana has done phenomenal work on the ground. Well in advance of the plan, states like Rajasthan and Haryana will turn around and become profitable discoms. So, they can serve their people.”

“Electricity should become problem of the past and opportunity of the future,” Goyal said this to delegates at the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce convention via video conference. “It (UDAY) is the most comprehensive turnaround plan ever made for the power sector. It not only solves the past problem but also provides a road map to improve the situation.” 14 states have come on board for UDAY and in total 21 states have conveyed inprinciple to join UDAY.

In another session during the convention, Union power secretary Pradeep Kumar Pujari ensured that this turnaround will take place within a year.

Goyal added that the ministry is monitoring the development made by discoms on monthly basis and states are also monitoring it closely.

He stressed that to ensure that the power sector or the discoms do not slide back the government has taken steps to disincentivise lossmaking discoms.

Apart from talking about discoms, he stressed about the framework for solarising agriculture pumps which are being developed by the government. The minister further stated that efficiency is vital in energy production and also, how India and the US can join forces for the same. He also stated that in 5-7 years USD 250 billion investment opportunities will open in the country.