The Bengal government denied joining power scheme UDAY on Thursday. While addressing media here the state power minister Sobhandeb Chatterjee said that the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led state government refused to sign any agreement to join the scheme and as ‘it doesn’t believe in any forceful agreement to promulgate center’s scheme.’ However, the minister also mentioned, “We have assured the Center of the state’s support over joint-mechanism. Initially they pressurised us to sign the UDAY agreement, but our CM denied and assured co-operation in its different schemes.”
The Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal urged the state government to join the scheme meant for revival of debt-ridden power distribution companies in the nation and claimed that only 22 villages are un-electrified in the state. He also asserted the government’s effort to ensure affordable 24X7 power to all by 2019 is an integral part of the state by joining UDAY. On this context Chatterjee claimed, “West, Bengal is one of the states which now can provide 24X7 power to all in two years to 97% of the entire population successfully.”
“There are 15 villages which are un-electrified. 14 are in a coastal area and one in Purulia district,” the minister added further. Chatterjee also emphasised on the “Alternate Power Source” and raised the matter in a power summit, organised by both the Centre and Indian Chamber of Commerce in the national Capital on Thursday. The state also asked the Center to divide the entire power system of India. “We are looking forward to enhance power manufacturing into Hydraulic and Solar sectors. We have targeted to generate 100 MW Solar Power in one year,” Chatterjee mentioned.
