Free power to every village in two years: Shinde

Itarsi, MP, Jan 10 (UNI) The Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today said besides providing free power to poor, power availability would be ensured in every village in the coming two years.

''Under the Rajeev Gandhi Electrification Scheme, power would be made available in all the rural areas by 2009. The Centre has set a target to provide electricity to every home by 2012,'' Mr Shinde said.

He was laying the foundation stone of 220 KW switchyard construction for expansion of 400 KW sub-station of the Power Grid Corporation of India here as a part of western grid strengthening scheme to improve distribution and transmission of power.

The project was scheduled to be completed by 2007-08.

Stressing that the state governments need to be self-sufficient in terms of power, Mr Shinde said ultra megawatt projector would be set up in Madhya Pradesh soon in a bid to tackle shortfall of power.

Minister of State for Personnel and Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Pachauri was present on the occasion.

MP Sartaj Singh appealed to provide employment to those farmers whose lands were acquired by the power grid besides opening up dispensary and school in its premises.

Mr Shinde accepted the demands and immediately directed to take steps in this regard.

UNI