DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

In a landmark event at New Maharashtra Sadan, Union Minister for Power and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, unveiled the book 'Wired for Success' authored by Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur.

The launch saw the esteemed presence of Justice D.K. Sharma of the Delhi High Court as the Guest of Honour. The book meticulously chronicles the transformation of Haryana Power Distribution Corporations from substantial losses to robust profitability.

Union Power Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, shared valuable insights during the event. Reflecting on his tenure beginning in 2014 as Chief Minister, he described the dire state of Haryana's power companies, with only 105 villages receiving 24-hour electricity and outstanding bills exceeding Rs. 7,000 crore. He emphasised that not paying electricity bills had almost become a norm in rural areas. However, under his administration, this situation was addressed comprehensively.

He recounted the pivotal reforms undertaken in the state under the UDAY scheme to rescue Haryana's power companies from financial distress. Senior state officer, Sh.Shatrujeet Kapur was appointed as the CMD of Discoms and assigned the crucial leadership role. Under Sh.Kapur's guidance, the power companies in Haryana met their targets two years ahead of schedule.

The Union Minister highlighted that political leaders typically avoid tough decisions, but he was resolute in pursuing power reforms. It was decided that villages paying their electricity bills would receive 24-hour electricity. In public meetings, appeals were made to encourage people to pay electricity bills in time, and a bill settlement scheme was launched. Consequently, today, more than 5,800 villages in Haryana benefit from 24-hour electricity.

Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal shared that the biggest challenge in the path of reforms was preventing electricity theft. Haryana excelled in this area, turning companies profitable without increasing tariffs?an outstanding achievement. Under Sh. Kapur's leadership, the power corporations and their teams worked diligently, leading to DISCOMs generating profit of Rs. 412 crore in 2017-18, Rs.281 crore in 2018-19, Rs.331 crore in 2019-20, and Rs.637 crore in 2020-21. By 2021, AT&C losses had reduced to 17 percent. Due to these reforms, the agricultural subsidy in the state decreased from Rs.7,600 crore to less than Rs.6,000 crore.

The Union Minister noted that renewable energy had been integrated on a large scale, with a capacity exceeding 3,600 MW. Significant measures were also implemented for electricity conservation, and capacity was augmented ensuring that the state's electricity demand was adequately met.

The UDAY scheme, launched nationwide in 2015 and introduced in Haryana in 2016, aimed to reduce line losses and eliminate deficits within two years. Haryana excelled in this initiative, achieving its goals ahead of schedule.

Union Minister for Power and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal praised 'Wired for Success' for its detailed account of Haryana's power sector reforms, underscoring a verse from the Bhagavad Gita to highlight the significance of dedication and duty. Applauding Sh. Kapur and his teams recommended that central enterprises and training institutions study Haryana's successful models and incorporate best practices. He also suggested translating the book into other languages to reach a broader audience.
(editor@dailyworld.in)