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Srinagar, February 27: Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated power infrastructure projects worth Rs 192 crore.
The 25 projects inaugurated included 22 reception stations costing Rs 50; Smart Metering Project costs Rs.62.88 and Smart Metering App – Smart Bill Sahuliat and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System at Rs.79.27.
In presence of Lt. Governor, KPDCL and JPDCL signed MoU worth Rs 1814 and Rs 2174 respectively with PESL (PGCIL), RECPDCL and NTPC for implementation of Revised Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). It will strengthen distribution infrastructure and improve electricity supply in urban and rural areas.
Dedicating the power infrastructure projects to the people, the lieutenant governor said the projects inaugurated today will add to the existing distribution capacity and ensure quality power supply to households and existing and upcoming industrial units in the respective areas.
Completion of the projects under the MoU signed today will go a long way in achieving the goal of providing quality power 24×7 to the people of Jammu Kashmir, he added.
We have made dedicated efforts to increase generation, transmission and distribution capacity and have ensured that the people of J&K have trouble-free access to power, the Governor remarked.
Undertaken projects to create new receiving stations and increase existing stations will ensure quality and reliable supply of electricity to people. We have achieved tremendous capacity building under Centrally Sponsored Schemes/PMDP projects. Out of 195 projects, 135 have been completed, and the remaining 60 projects will be completed in the coming months, the vice-governor noted.
The power scenario in Jammu Kashmir, which was in chaos for decades, has witnessed a major turnaround with more power supply, especially in far-flung areas compared to previous years, the Lt Governor said.
In the Kashmir Valley, additional capacity was created during the winter to accommodate peak demand and 10 percent more electricity was supplied compared to last year. For the first time, in one year, out of a total of 30 network stations, 11 stations have increased, he added.
The power supply position in the Jammu region has improved following the addition of new capacities to the system. These initiatives are an example of our commitment to inclusive development and to meeting the needs of the common man, the lieutenant colonel governor added.
The vice governor highlighted the reforms introduced in the last three years to improve the electricity infrastructure; improving sustainability and energy efficiency at UT.
Under PMDP and centrally sponsored schemes, a well-planned, systematic and comprehensive program to improve and upgrade transmission and distribution infrastructure is being implemented to streamline and strengthen power supply across J&K, he said.
The target of capacity addition of 1727 MVA has been achieved at the 220 and 132 KV levels and a transmission line of 236 circuit km has been laid. We have added 2345 MVA capacity in the distribution sector and 8550 new distribution transformers have been installed in residential areas. Four mega hydro projects will be completed in the coming years.
In the first phase of the smart metering project, 57,000 meters have been installed, and in the second phase, 1.25 million smart meters will be installed, he informed.
Lt. Governor directed the officials to avail the benefits of RDSS scheme.
Officials must evaluate the implementation of the Power Amnesty scheme and make dedicated efforts to reduce AT&C losses. Allay people’s fears. Spread awareness about smart meters, he added.
The deputy governor requested the participation of the citizens in the government’s efforts for socio-economic progress in rural and urban areas.
In order to make urban local bodies self-reliant, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has notified the introduction of property tax in Jammu and Kashmir as well as other parts of the country.
The Lt. Governor said that the administration will ensure that the common people do not face any inconvenience. Every decision will be made in the interest of the people. The administration and responsible citizens must inform others about the property tax and how we can contribute to transforming cities as engines of growth, he added.
Property tax in Jammu and Kashmir is the least compared to other states. There are about 5,20,000 houses in the cities of J&K. Of these, 2,06,000 houses are less than 1,000 square meters, which means 40% will not have to pay any property tax. 2,03,680 houses are less than 1500 sq ft and 80% of these households will have to pay less than Rs 600 per annum, while the rest will have to pay a nominal amount of Rs 1000 (maximum). This amount is one-tenth of the tax amount paid in Shimla, Ambala and Dehradun, the Lt. Governor said.
In commercial establishments, out of 1,01,000 shops in Srinagar, Jammu and other municipalities and about 46% of the shops (46,000 shops) are less than 100 square meters and they will have to pay up to Rs 700 per year. Of these 46,000 stores, 80% will have to pay Rs 500-550 per annum / Rs 50 per month. 30,000 shops will have to pay taxes below Rs 2,000 per year, which is also one-tenth of the amount paid in Shimla, Ambala and Dehradun. 76% of shops will pay a nominal amount in the form of property tax. Can’t get a better deal than this.
The revenue generated will not go to the J&K UT Government and will be deposited in the accounts of the Corporations and Municipalities. It will be used to improve public amenities, the Lt. Governor noted.
If the common man has any problem, he has to approach the administration. It is our collective responsibility to build a J&K that is economically prosperous, with ample opportunities to generate livelihoods so that people can live and work with dignity and peace, the Lt. Governor added.
The Lt. Governor also spoke about the transformation taking place in agriculture and allied sectors and how the implementation of 29 projects recommended by the Apex Committee will bring about a favorable change in the lives of farming families.
He further shared the achievements registered during the “Back to the Village” and the employment opportunities extended to the youth; recruitment of government jobs and streamlining of departmental promotion process.
Smart Metering App – Smart Bill Sahuliat launched today for the convenience of smart metering consumers. It will make consumers aware of the benefits of smart metering and provide them with information on energy savings.
The newly integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCDA) system in distribution for centralized control and monitoring of receiving stations will help in early restoration of power supply in case of any feeder failure, it was informed.
While interacting with the media, the Lt. Governor condemned the killing of a civilian in Pulwama. Our security forces will deal with those behind the murder. We are working with a 360-degree approach to improve the security situation, said the Lt. Governor.
Junaid Azim Mattu, SMC Mayor; Dr. Arun Kumar, Chief Secretary; H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, PDD; Managing directors of energy corporations and senior officials attended the inaugural event at the Kashmir International Convention Centre.