Efforts to reduce power traiff in MP: Chouhan

Khandwa, MP, May 8 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said the government was making efforts to reduce power tariff by 30 per cent.

''For reducing power tariff, it is necessary to curb transmission and distribution losses and steps had been taken in this direction,'' said Mr Chouhan, while addressing 'Kisan Sammelan' at Pandhana tahsil headquarters here.

Commenting upon the progress achieved in the power sector, he said only 2,900 MW power was generated in the state in the past 50 years.

However, 3,100 MW power had been produced in the last four years.

He said the Indira Sagar Power project had started generating power, while Omkareshwar project will produce 520 MW power, Birsinghpur 520 MW and Chachai 210 MW.

Besides, work was progressing on several small projects.

Mr Chouhan said 42 per cent power was being stolen due to transmission and distribution losses.

A scheme of Rs 2,700 crore has been prepared to deal with the situation under which new lines and transformers would be put up.

He pointed out that steps were being taken to make agriculture a profitable profession.

The Chief Minister said the then government had promised to waive electricity bills for farmers between 2001-2003 but did not fulfill it.

The BJP Government paid Rs 1,783 crore from its coffers to the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (MPSERC).

He said the government would bear the burden if the MPSERC raised the power tariff on farmers in future.

Mr Chouhan took part in a mass-marriage programme organised by the government under the Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojna. As many as 414 couples, including 28 Muslims, tied the knot.

He announced to name the Khandwa jail after freedom fighter Tantya Bheel.

UNI