Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar marked the 11th Foundation Day Anniversary of the Bihar State Power (Holding) Company Limited and its Subsidiary Companies on Wednesday with a series of significant announcements, inaugurations, and foundation stone-laying ceremonies. During the event held at the Urja Auditorium at Patna, initiatives totaling Rs 13,934.89 crore in the energy sector were unveiled.
The Chief Minister (CM), accompanied by the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department, presided over the event, where Sanjeev Hans, the Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited, extended a warm welcome and presented a sapling as a token of appreciation.
A short film highlighting the achievements, schemes, and development endeavors in the energy sector was showcased to provide insight into the state’s efforts to enhance its power infrastructure and services.
In his address, CM Nitish expressed his delight at attending the Energy Department’s program and acknowledged the significance of the various energy sector initiatives inaugurated and commenced during the event. He praised the dedicated work of Energy, and Planning and Development Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav and encouraged all stakeholders to expedite the completion of these projects, emphasizing the importance of timely and efficient implementation.
The Chief Minister reflected on the remarkable progress made in Bihar’s electricity supply over the years. He recalled the initial challenges of providing only 700 MW of electricity in the state’s capital, Patna, with limited hours of supply. He underscored the government’s relentless efforts to address these issues and highlighted the substantial improvement, with Bihar now receiving more than 7,000 MW of electricity, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to both urban and rural areas.
Furthermore, the CM outlined the government’s commitment to offering cost-effective electricity by purchasing it at higher rates and passing on the benefits to the people. He encouraged the rapid installation of prepaid meters in remote and urban locations, emphasizing their convenience and cost-saving potential. He set a target for the completion of prepaid meter installations in urban areas by 2024, ensuring that this initiative is extended across rural regions.
Acknowledging the role of power substations in electricity supply, CM Nitish urged the installation of an adequate number of substations and emphasized the need to improve and maintain these facilities. He also highlighted the successful completion of the government’s mission to provide electricity to every household a month ahead of the scheduled deadline in October 2018. Access to tap water in every home was another milestone achieved, providing immense convenience to the population.
To enhance agricultural productivity, CM Nitish highlighted the work in progress to supply electricity to farmers at highly subsidized rates through agricultural feeders. This initiative is expected to significantly boost crop yields, even during drought conditions, benefiting the majority of Bihar’s population, which relies on agriculture.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the ongoing installation of solar streetlights, which have illuminated rural areas and improved safety and mobility for villagers at night. He encouraged the expedited completion of this initiative across all panchayats and wards, emphasizing the limitless potential of solar energy.
CM Nitish expressed his enthusiasm for the utilization of solar energy, both for government buildings and in rural and urban areas. He highlighted the economic and environmental advantages of solar energy, which harnesses the abundant and renewable power of the sun. He commended the efforts of S Siddhartha, Principal Secretary, in promoting solar energy usage in government buildings.
In conclusion, CM Nitish expressed his commitment to the development of Bihar, stating that the state government has been working diligently to provide employment opportunities and distribute appointment letters to the youth.
Energy cum Planning and Development Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of the energy sector’s development and the opportunities it offers for enhancing the state’s infrastructure.
