RDSS being implemented to curb losses, modernize power infrastructure: CM

‘You are in my heart and a younger brother’: CM to AAP MLA Malik

Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is being implemented to curb losses and modernize power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.Responding to a question from member Shakti Raj Parihar in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Power Development portfolio, said that J&K’s transmission and distribution losses are among the highest in India.He noted that these losses are significantly higher compared to neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

“And until we are not able to control this situation, our current AT&C losses are around 50%. For every rupee worth of electricity we supply, we face a loss of around 50 paisa. We will have to gradually reduce this and bring it in line with the levels of neighboring states. For this, the RDSS scheme has been implemented,” he said. The Chief Minister was replying to a starred question about the total funds allocated and utilized under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the member’s constituency. He explained that under RDSS, in addition to smart metering works, funds have been sanctioned for various “Loss Reduction (LR)” works.

These include AB cabling, HVDS, reconductoring, feeder bifurcation, and segregation, depending on district-specific technical requirements.The funds for LR works have been sanctioned at the district level rather than for individual constituencies, he added.The Chief Minister informed the House that the sanctioned cost for LR works in Doda District is ₹86.28 crore, with the works awarded in September 2023.“The funds for these works are being released by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in different tranches based on the progress of the projects. So far, ₹17 crore has been released in two tranches, both of which have been fully utilized. Funds for the next tranche are being sought as per the norms of the scheme,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the slow progress of RDSS projects, the Chief Minister explained that after the issuance of the sanction order, the package (including Doda district) was tendered for the first time on March 31, 2023.“However, due to a poor response, the tendering process had to be extended three times. Finally, the bid was opened on August 4, 2023, and awarded on September 8, 2023,” he stated.He further informed that 12.25% progress has been achieved so far, and the works are moving forward at full pace with no delays.

“Going by the current pace, it is expected that the works in Doda district will be completed well within the sunset date of RDSS, which is March 31, 2026,” he added.The Chief Minister further stated that the RDSS Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were formulated in two parts, one which includes Loss Reduction (LR) works and smart metering projects and part b which covers modernization works.“The DPRs for both parts were submitted to the Ministry of Power (MoP). However, the sanction has been received only for Part A works,” he said. Regarding Part B, the Chief Minister mentioned that the DPRs are currently at the appraisal stage with the Nodal Agency of MoP.“Once the Part B DPRs are sanctioned by MoP, the modernization works will be awarded as per the terms and conditions specified in the sanction order,” he concluded.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that the assistance provided to victims of fire incidents is based on the revised norms under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).In reply to the question of member Ali Mohammad Sagar during Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session, the Chief Minister stated that the assistance scale for victims of fire incidents is as per the revised norms of assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) issued by the Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.The Chief Minister, who is also Minister Incharge of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, further said that these norms are reviewed every five years.

“You are in my heart and a younger brother,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told sulking Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik after he complained about being provided a seat behind the opposition BJP members in the House. Abdullah made the remarks shortly after Malik, who represents the Doda Assembly constituency, intercepted the chief minister who was responding to a question about revamped distribution sector scheme (power) during the Question Hour in the House.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather warned Malik to behave properly or otherwise he will be marshalled out for intercepting the members. Malik first raised his voice during a question on drug addiction and demanded winding up of liquor wholesale stores. When the chief minister was replying to a question, he intercepted him and raised the issue of the government failure to improve power distribution in Doda and ensuring power and water supply to the consumers.Malik, in the meanwhile, expressed his displeasure at being provided a seat behind the opposition BJP members and said he was shifted from the treasury bank to this side.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary decried Malik for not honouring the leader of the House and suggested him to behave properly. The chief minister responded to Malik and informed him that it is the speaker as custodian of the House who decides the seating arrangements for the members. “You are in my heart and a younger brother. I would have liked you to sit near me,” Abdullah said, sending the House in laughter.

Earlier, responding to the starred question of BJP member Shakti Raj Parihar, the chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir is facing 50 per cent transmission and distribution (T&D) losses and added the government is trying to bring it down. Abdullah said the sanctioned cost for loss reduction works in Doda district is Rs 86.28 crore. The chief minister expressed hope that the works would be completed by next year.