Special monitoring of APDRP after CAG criticism: Shinde

Hazaribagh, May 22 (UNI) Union Energy Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today announced a special monitoring of Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (APDRP) following the criticism made by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Mr Shinde also anounced the inclussion of all the districts of Jharkhand in the Rajeev Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme.

Earlier, only a few areas were being covered under the scheme.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Shinde admitted that the APDRP programme was slow and said instruction had been given for special monitoring of the APDRP.

Mr Shinde said a meeting with special and energy seretaries of all the states was also held to discuss the matter.

Discussing about the state's power crisis, Mr Shinde said efforts were being made to increase power production adding plant load factor of Patratu Thermal and Tenughat with the help of National Thermal Power Corporation.

Mr Shinde further said efforts were also being done to establish power plants in the state adding the Centre was also ready to provide assistance in this regard.

Replying to a query, the energy minister said production of nuclear power would be increased to 10 per cent from the existing three per cent in the next few years.

UNI