(a) whether the Government have contemplated to set up power-generating projects to create necessary infrastructure to provide power connectivity in rural tribal areas with special reference to Bodoland Territory in Assam;
(b) if so, the steps taken so far in this regard; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)
(a), (b) & (c) : The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources is implementing various programmes for generating electricity in the country, especially in remote and difficult areas including the rural tribal areas of Assam.
Under these programmes installation of solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems and power plants, micro-hydel units, biomass gasifiers, wind energy systems and hybrid systems is being promoted through capital and interest subsidies and other fiscal incentives.
The programmes in Assam are being implemented through the Assam Science, Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC), sometimes in association with non-governmental organizations. In the Bodo tribal areas, the Council with the support from the Ministry has installed solar home systems in 50 households in Bongaigaon district and 100 households in Sonitpur district. A further 300 systems are being installed in Sonitpur district. ASTEC is also developing proposals for solar electrification of some households in Barpeta district.