Arunachal approves policy on hydro-electric projects

Itanagar, Sept 10 (UNI) The state government has approved the amended hydro-electric policy with various incentives for affected people.

Addressing press conference here today Water Resources Development minister Tako Dabi said while reviewing the hydro-electric policy after its amendment, the cabinet in its recent meeting approved it for further implementation.

Mr Dabi further disclosed that the government also approved establishment of a new chief engineer office under hydro-power development department to monitor implementation and progress of various hydro-power projects being executed in the state.

Power secretary T Norbu, who was also present during the press meet informed that as per the amended policy each power developer would contribute one per cent free power from each project for local area development.

Moreover, the state government would also contribute one per cent power from its share of twelve per cent free power for local area development, he said.

The new policy also incorporated provision for 100 unit free power per month to all the project affected families for a period of ten years after commissioning of a particular project, Mr Norbu said adding if the quantity of power is more than the required for consumption, all the families would be given cash amount after necessary adjustment.

The new policy would also include equity aspects in every projects which would be not less than 11 per cent and more than 26 per cent, he informed adding state government would also constitute monitoring committee to examine projects below Rs 500 crore cost and clear them for execution thereby avoiding unnecessary delay in getting clearence from Central Electrical Authority (CEA).

The new policy incorporate provision for job reservations to the locals with 25 per cent reservation on managerial and professional posts, 50 per cent for ministerial and clerical posts, 25 per cent in skilled jobs and 75 per cent in unskilled jobs, Mr Norbu added.

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