(a) whether it is a fact that a Review meeting of the Accelerated Power Development
and Reforms Programme (APDRP) held recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof and also took up the Planning Commission`s reported
observation that certain States had `diverted funds` for purposes other than reforms
implementation; and
(c) if so, the outcome of the discussion and steps proposed to be taken to avoid such
`Diversion` of funds?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA )
(a) : Yes, Sir. A Quarterly Performance Review (QPR) meeting (1st quarter
2003-04) was held on 12th September, 2003 in Planning Commission for the Ministry of
Power.
(b) : In the meeting, Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme
(APDRP) was also reviewed along with Annual Plan (2002-03) for the Ministry of
Power. Among other things, it was observed that if some States have diverted their
APDP/APDRP funds for other sectors, the matter would be taken up with Ministry of
Finance, to initiate recovery proceedings.
(c) : The issue of delay in transfer of APDRP funds by the State Governments
to State Electricity Boards (SEBs)/Utilities and related issues were discussed in the
Steering Committee on 28.11.2003 and accordingly it was decided that:
(i) In specific cases, Ministry of Power would inform Ministry of Finance for making it mandatory before release of normal assistance by Ministry of Finance.
(ii) To write to all State Governments that they give their consent with approval of the State Finance Department for release of APDRP funds to the implementing agencies.
(iii) To withdraw the sanctions of APDRP where State Governments have not released funds.