Question : RE-STRUCTURED ACCELERATED POWER DEVELOPMENT AND REFORMS PROGRAMME

(a) whether the State Government of Orissa has requested the Union Government for Rs.600 crore to improve the existing power infrastructure to overcome the power crisis in the State;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the State Government has been denied the benefit of the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Research Programme (RAPDRP) which envisages a total outlay of Rs.51,577 crore to the States during Eleventh Five Year Plan period;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER(SHRI BHARATSINH SOLANKI)

(a) & (b) : No, Madam.

(c) to (e) : The distribution sector has been privatized in Orissa.As per the Guidelines for the Re-structured Accelerated Power Development & Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) during XI Plan, the assistance under R-APDRP would not be applicable for private distribution companies.

The participation of the private utilities in R-APDRP can be considered after a period of two years from 31.07.2008 at the time of the review of the programme.