Centre approves Rs 1,100 Cr for RDSS implementation in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, APR 29: The Centre on Friday approved Rs 1,100 crore for implementation of the revamp distribution sector scheme (RDSS) in Meghalaya.

This was informed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong after a meeting with the Union Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh in New Delhi.

“I am happy to inform you that the Ministry of Power has approved the proposal for implementation of the RDSS project at Rs 1,100 crore,” Tynsong told over phone.

Under the project, he said the state government would soon install smart meters, additional transformers, extension of domestic lines and others to improve the distribution system in the state.

“The project will be a big blessing for Meghalaya especially as it seeks to reduce the aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses,” he said.

“Therefore, smart meters will be installed in over 7 lakh households and house owners can either go for prepaid or postpaid smart meters,” Tynsong asserted while adding that people will no longer be subjected to pay pending bills accumulated for months in one go.

The deputy chief minister further informed that the government would also install additional sub stations across the state to address the problem of power cut. “For this, we have proposed Rs 650 to Rs 700 crore for improving the transmission system,” he said.

He added, “We have also got sanctioned for installation of smart meters in another 4.60 lakh households.”

According to him, the Centre has given one and half years for the state to complete the implementation of the projects.

Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister has ordered the MeECL engineers and SDOs to organize an awareness programme on the importance of the smart meters in each and every village.

“We will take all stakeholders into consideration before implementation of the project,” he said while adding that the smart meters will be installed free of cost.

During the meeting, the Union Power Minister has also assured to release outstanding dues to the MeECL amounting to Rs 192 crore.

By Our Reporter