Question : RENOVATION AND MODERNISATION OF THERMAL POWER PLANTS IN BIHAR

(a) whether the Planning Commission has cleared the proposal of Bihar Government relating to renovation and modernization of the Thermal Power Plants located at Barauni and Muzaffarpur for generation of power;

(b) if so, whether the above said work cannot be undertaken without central assistance because of the poor financial condition of the State Government and Bihar State Electricity Board; and

(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government for renovation and modernization of the power plants at aforesaid places in view of the power crisis in Bihar?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA )

(a) to (c) : The responsibility for Renovation and Modernization (R&M) of power plants located at Barauni and Muzaffarpur lies with the Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB). Central Electricity Authority has identified Thermal Power Plant at Barauni for life extension programme during the 10th Plan period. Power Finance Corporation provides loans for renovation and modernization programme and an interest subsidy @ 3% is provided under the Accelerated Generation and Supply Programme on disbursement of such loans through Power Finance Corporation in the 10th Plan.