(a) the contribution made by the private sector in the field of electrification of
villages in the country;
(b) whether the Government are aware that the private distribution companies
are extremely reluctant to continue with the power supply to rural areas;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF POWER ( SHRI SURESH P. PRABHU )
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF
STARRED QUESTION NO. 402 TO BE ANSWERED IN THE LOK SABHA
ON 18.12.2000 REGARDING RURAL ELECTRIFICATION BY PRIVATE
SECTOR.
(a) to (d): The responsibility for electrification of villages lies with the
concerned State Governments/State Electricity Boards/Power Utilities. Recently,
privatisation of electricity supply to the rural areas has been undertaken in Orissa.
In the State of Orissa where distribution companies have been privatised, the
maintenance of rural electrification network is now under the responsibility of
these private sector distribution companies.
None of the State Governments/State Electricity Boards/Power
Utilities have brought to the notice of the Ministry of Power, any instance of
reluctance shown by the private distribution companies to continue with the power
supply to the rural areas.