Union Minister of State for Energy RK Singh blamed the former governments for the energy shortage in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that so much money was sent to Jammu and Kashmir, but could not develop for sixty seventy years. The former governments of Jammu and Kashmir will have to answer.
He said that the former governments in Jammu and Kashmir gave contracts of power projects to private companies. There was no work without commission. Corruption was promoted.
At the MoU signing ceremony of power projects at the Convention Center in Jammu, he said that development cannot happen without energy. If there is no development, the means of employment will not be created.
Energy Minister Singh said that energy is needed for everything, be it industry or any need. Emphasizing on strengthening the power structure in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that work on the schemes is still not going on fast. It is the responsibility of everyone to cooperated in the completion of schemes at the right time. Allow people coming from other states to work.
He added If the power system is to be improved, then people coming from outside will have to work. If NHPC employs contractors from other states, Bangalore, Tamil Nadu or any state for work on power projects in Jammu and Kashmir, then they will have to cooperates. The central government will not let the lack of funds come in the way.
RK Singh said that before 2014, there was a severe shortage of electricity. The Narendra Modi government has doubled the production of energy. Now, 3.74 lakh MW power is being produced instead of 1.85 lakh MW.
He bluntly said that if electricity bills are not paid, they will not get electricity. Billing system has to be strengthened. Smart meters have to be installed. Automatic systems have to be adopted. A strong infrastructure has to be created by increasing the capacity of the sub stations.
He said that Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha is very serious about the power structure. A couple of days after I became the Deputy Prime Minister, I had come with electricity projects. ( PTK )
