India to be power surplus in 4-5 years: Govt

New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) Admitting that the country had ''burnt its fingers'' in the privatisation of power, the government today said it would be very careful in the future and claimed that India would be surplus in electricity within the next 4-5 years.

Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said in Rajya Sabha during Question Hour that the government was encouraging privatisation of the power sector and was trying for consortia from China and Russia to participate in power projects.

He, however, admitted that the governent had ''burnt its fingers'' in cases like Enron but asserted that now it would be ''very careful''.

Mr Sitaram Yechuri (CPM) said the UPA government, of which his Party was a coalition partner, had promised in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of giving power to the entire country by 2009.

He expressed concern that with just two years remaining, the situation was still very serious and nothing much had been achieved.

He cautioned the government against ''falling into the trap'' once again while considering power privatisation.

Mr Shinde said the government was taking several steps to improve power situation in the country and some plans would be shortly taken to the cabinet for consideration.

UNI