The Telangana government has “deferred” implementing the power sector reforms introduced by the Centre.
Highly placed sources said that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and other ministers were briefed about power sector reforms including fixing meters on agricultural pump sets.
All Central schemes are being discussed, sources said. However, sources said that the government has taken a decision to “defer” implementing power sector reforms.
The Union Finance Ministry has earmarked money under additional borrowings in FY24 for states to undertake power sector reforms. This benefit can be availed if states implement specific reforms.
The Congress claimed that the BRS government had left the state in a debt trap and that they are looking at all possible ways to get funds. This is one potential way that is
politically significant as the BRS had warned throughout its campaign that free power supply to farmers will be scrapped if meters are fixed on farm pumps.
The CM ordered officials to visit other states and study their power policies, electricity supply conditions, the best policies adopted and submit reports to the government.
These states will include those which have implemented the Centre’s power sector reforms. The financial advantage provided by power sector reforms will help the Congress roll out the 200 units free power supply scheme under Griha Jyoti.
The Chief Minister, however, is keen on looking at other schemes of the Centre where the state didn’t give consent. As per Re-organisation promises, although five NTPC plants
of 800 MW each were to be set up so far only two plants have been set up. Even though the NTPC came forward to set up power plants without any liability on the state, the BRS government didn’t give consent. Sources said the Chief Minister enquired about what happened since 2014 and wanted details about all issues.
