CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls On Union Energy Minister R.K. Singh; Discusses State's Energy Initiatives

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, called on the Union Minister for Power, New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh on Wednesday at his office at Shram Shakti Bhawan. During the meeting, the Chief Minister informed about the various steps taken by the state in the field of green energy, especially solar energy. He also had a detailed discussion about the Revitalization Distribution Area Scheme (RDSS).

Chouhan told the Union Minister that the tariff of Rs.2.14 per unit has been discovered in Neemuch and Agar solar power plants, for which Bhumi Pujan is to be performed soon. The Chief Minister invited the Union Minister to visit both the power plants. Chouhan informed that 300 solar days are available in Madhya Pradesh therefore, Madhya Pradesh is rapidly moving towards solar energy. The Chief Minister also informed about the proposal of a floating solar power plant at Omkareshwar and solar power plants at Chhatarpur and Morena. The Chief Minister informed that 750 MW ultra-mega solar plant of Rewa is providing electricity to Delhi Metro. Chouhan also informed about the initiative wind energy, hybrid energy and storage of green energy in the state. Chouhan also briefed about the efforts made by the state under Kusum Yojana to promote solar energy devices and pumps by the farmers in their fields.

  Chouhan said that the Revitalization Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is a revolutionary scheme in the energy sector. Chouhan informed that Madhya Pradesh is making good progress in adopting smart meters. Around 1.2 lakh smart meters have been installed in the state. The work of installation of 3.5 lakh meters is in progress and the process of procurement and installation of 23.7 lakh meters is in advanced stage. The Chief Minister, while discussing the difficulties being faced in the implementation of this scheme, said that the economy of the state is severely impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, due to which the state should be given a time period of at least 2 years for the advance payment of the outstanding subsidy of the Discoms. Chouhan requested that the government departments be allowed to clear outstanding dues to the DISCOMS in three instalments instead of one. Chouhan also urged that the requirement of publication of unaudited accounts every quarter as per the guidelines of the RDSS scheme be relaxed by making it optional for the first year of the scheme.

Union Minister of State for Power, Shri Krishan Pal and Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Sanjay Dubey and other senior officers were present in this meeting.