Outsourcing of electricity distribution to take time: Minister

Guwahati, Jun 10 (UNI) Assam Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi today informed that the proposed outsourcing in the distribution system of the state electricity board would take some time.

Talking to reporters here, he said the proposal had been forwarded to the state Cabinet from the Power ministry.

''The Cabinet would decide whether to go ahead with the scheme and suggest changes if needed,'' he added. Clarifying that it is not a move to privatise the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB), the Minister said, ''The proposal is only to bring in some competition for the state board to increase its efficiency and set new standards of performance for the ASEB.'' The Minister had proposed that the distribution system in three circles, Guwahati (1), Tinsukia and Silchar, be outsourced to private players for better performance and consumer satisfaction.

UNI SG PL SBA AS1858