Government turns down demand for CBI inquiry in Largi project

Shimla, Apr 7 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Power Minister Vidya Stokes today turned down the opposition's demand for a CBI enquiry into alleged irregularities in the execution of 126 MW Largi hydro-power project, which led to the delay in its completion and cost escalation.

Replying to a discussion on budget estimates of State Electricity Board for 2006-07, she said a departmental enquiry was already in progress and assured that the guilty would be punished.

Intervening in the discussion, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said the government would press for the appointment of director (Civil) and director (Personnel) in Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) from Himachal Pradesh and said the government might review all agreements with SJVN for the execution of various projects including the Rampur hydro power project if states plea was not entertained.

He said HP had 30 per cent share in Rampur project, entrusted to SJVN and it should have adequate representation in the Board of Directors.

Earlier, initiating the discussion of budget estimates under rule 130, Ms Stokes said the government was committed to bring reforms in the power sector as per the provisions of Electricity Act of 2003.

However, she said the Government of India had conceded to the state government's demand to continue the state electricity board as state transmission utility and licenese and the extension granted for continuance of board was valid up to June 9, 2006.

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