UDAY most comprehensive power sector reform: Goyal

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal called the NDA government's one of the most talked-about power policy UDAY as the "most comprehensive power sector reform ever planned and executed in the country."

While addressing a gathering of analysts and media persons covering the power sector, especially the progress of the UDAY Scheme here on Wednesday, Goyal emphasised that the scheme is a "classic example of Comprehensive, Cooperative, Collaborative, Competitive, Consensual and Compassionate Federalism", where the states are envisaged to work in complete cohesion and collaboration with the centre so as to compassionately focus on comprehensively serving the people of India in meeting their power demands.

The government also claimed that out of 26 states that have already joined UDAY, 12 states shall engage in restructuring of DISCOM liabilities.

Further, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura have also joined the scheme for operational improvement of the states' Power Distribution Departments. With this the total count of States/UTs under UDAY reaches 26.

While speaking on this occasion, the minister also added that the government's aim is to provide "Assured, Quality, Affordable and Reliable 24x7 Power for All" and it looks forward to a constructive partnership with all stakeholders to break all silos like Centre vs State, Private vs Public sector and among Ministries and Departments to achieve the above aim.

Adding further Goyal also said that, "The government has a deep focus on monitoring and fixing stakeholder accountability at each step."

The Centre claimed that an overall net benefit of approximately Rs 4,178 crore, Rs 309 crore and Rs 810 crore would accrue to the new UDAY stakeholders, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura respectively, by way of cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C and transmission losses and interventions in energy efficiencyduring the period of turnaround.

The ministry also helps the states with coal swapping, coal rationalisation, correction in coal grade slippage, availability of 100 per cent washed coal would also help the states to further reduce the cost of Power.

The government also emphasised on the outcome of other enrolled states of UDAY. In Bihar, the Power Purchase Cost has come down to Rs 4.24 per kWh at the end of Q3FY17 from Rs 4.39 per kWh in FY16.