Committee Stresses Pro-Public Measures, Improvement in Power Supply Infrastructure
SRINAGAR: The House Committee on Estimates today held a meeting at the Assembly Complex in Srinagar to review the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD).
The meeting was chaired by Committee Chairperson Shamim Firdous and attended by members Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Chander Prakash Ganga, Gharu Ram Bhagat and Arjun Singh Raju. Senior officials present included MD JKSPDC/JKPCL Rahul Yadav, Secretary Legislative Assembly Manoj Kumar Pandita, MD JKPTCL Roheela Wani, MD JKPDCL GP Singh, DG Budget MS Malik, MD KPDCL Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Special Secretary PDD M.Y. Malik, Chief Engineers and others.
The Committee reviewed the progress of various schemes, including smart metering, cabling, fund utilization, infrastructure development in power generation and transmission, improvement of HT/LT lines, replacement of defunct transformers and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply across J&K. It also assessed the implementation of the Amnesty Scheme, RDSS, IPDS, PMDP and other ongoing projects.
Chairperson Shamim Firdous stressed the need for result-oriented measures to minimize power cuts, ensure timely repair of transformers, restore non-functional streetlights and curb power theft. She underlined the importance of maintaining scheduled power supply, particularly during peak hours.
The Committee called for effective resource mobilization, improved manpower management, and timely release of ex-gratia relief to the families of daily wagers and casual labourers who lost their lives while on duty. The Chairperson also directed the department to expedite filling up vacancies through recruitment agencies and rationalize staff deployment for better public service.
Further, the Committee urged timely fund utilization under RDSS and other schemes, and emphasized concrete steps for the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Amnesty Scheme for recovery of power dues. It highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination to ensure seamless delivery of services and smooth execution of projects.
Shamim Firdous emphasized that pro-public initiatives must remain the core focus, with stronger infrastructure development and sustainable measures to reduce transmission and distribution losses.
The Committee resolved to continue monitoring the performance of key departments and scrutinizing budget allocations and expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability in infrastructure development. Members also presented suggestions and flagged several issues concerning the department’s functioning.
