New Delhi, July 17 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a landmark event at New Maharashtra Sadan, Union Minister for Power and Urban Affairs, Mr. Manohar Lal, unveiled the book ‘Wired for Success’ authored by Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur.
The launch saw the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Justice D.K. Sharma of the Delhi High Court as the Guest of Honour. The book meticulously chronicles the transformation of Haryana Power Distribution Corporations from substantial losses to robust profitability.
Challenges, Successes, and Analysis: Statement by the Union Minister of Power
Union Power Minister, Shri Manohar Lal, shared valuable insights during the event. Reflecting on his tenure beginning in 2014 as Chief Minister, he described the dire state of Haryana’s power companies, with only 105 villages receiving 24-hour electricity and outstanding bills exceeding ₹7,000 crore.
He emphasized that not paying electricity bills had almost become a norm in rural areas. However, under his administration, this situation was addressed comprehensively.
He recounted the pivotal reforms undertaken in the state under the UDAY scheme to rescue Haryana’s power companies from financial distress.
Senior state official Shri Shatrujeet Kapur was appointed as the CMD of Discoms and assigned the crucial leadership role. Under Kapur’s guidance, the power companies in Haryana met their targets two years ahead of schedule.
The Union Minister highlighted that political leaders typically avoid tough decisions, but he was resolute in pursuing power reforms. It was decided that villages paying their electricity bills would receive 24-hour electricity.
In public meetings, appeal was made to encourage people to pay electricity bills in time, and a bill settlement scheme was launched. Consequently, today, more than 5,800 villages in Haryana benefit from 24-hour electricity.
Under Kapur’s leadership, the power corporations and their teams worked diligently, leading to DISCOMs generating profit of ₹412 crore in 2017-18, ₹281 crore in 2018-19, ₹331 crore in 2019-20, and ₹637 crore in 2020-21. By 2021, AT&C losses had reduced to 17%.
Due to these reforms, the agricultural subsidy in the state decreased from ₹7,600 crore to less than ₹6,000 crore.
The Union Minister noted that renewable energy had been integrated on a large scale, with a capacity exceeding 3,600 MW.
Significant measures were also implemented for electricity conservation, and capacity was augmented ensuring that the state’s electricity demand was adequately met.
The UDAY scheme, launched nationwide in 2015 and introduced in Haryana in 2016, aimed to reduce line losses and eliminate deficits within two years.
Haryana excelled in this initiative, achieving its goals ahead of schedule.
Insights from the Book
Mr. Lal praised ‘Wired for Success’ for its detailed account of Haryana’s power sector reforms, underscoring a verse from the Bhagavad Gita to highlight the significance of dedication and duty.
Applauding Mr. Kapur and his teams, he recommended that central enterprises and training institutions study Haryana’s successful models and incorporate best practices.
He also suggested translating the book into other languages to reach a broader audience.
Haryana’s Exemplary Model
Mr. Shatrujeet Kapur acknowledged the transformative leadership of Mr. Manohar Lal. He emphasized key initiatives that elevated Haryana’s power sector, including a merit-based transfer policy and a new SOP to curb electricity theft.
Over 1.7 million new connections were issued, and the bill settlement scheme resolved outstanding bills worth ₹7,000 crore, reconnecting numerous consumers.
A Story of Extraordinary Success
Justice D.K. Sharma lauded Mr. Kapur for his unwavering efforts and leadership. Despite numerous challenges, Mr. Kapur’s determination transformed Haryana’s power companies from loss-making entities into profitable ventures, setting a national benchmark.
The event, attended by several dignitaries, celebrated the visionary leadership and success story that made Haryana’s power sector a model of efficiency and profitability.
*Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal shared that the biggest challenge in the path of reforms was preventing electricity theft. Haryana excelled in this area, turning companies profitable without increasing tariffs—an outstanding achievement.
