Uttar Pradesh Govt electrifies 1364 Villages during 2014-16

We have electrified 1364 villages in Uttar Pradesh under rural electrification programme in last two years, said Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy while launching Pilot Project of District Vidyut Abhiyantas (DVAs) for Uttar Pradesh at Lucknow. Goyal said that after becoming the Minister, he was surprised to find status of rural electrification in Uttar Pradesh wherein only 3 villages were electrified during 2012-2014. He further added that rural electrification has been picked up by the constant efforts, fixing accountability of officials & promoting transparency. Goyal further stated that he is aiming to provide electricity to each and every household in the state before 2019. As a part of pilot project, Goyal appointed 5 DVAs at the event. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that DVAs will strengthen working of District Electricity Committee and thus speed up the electrification process in the country. Talking about the pilot project, Goyal said that now District Electricity Committee will be holding dual responsibility of monitoring the power projects at district level and acting as a bridge between Government and people through DVAs. He further stated that Government will be soon increasing strength of Gram Vidyut Abhiyantas (GVAs) to approx 1000 from present number of 309 for timely and smooth completion of Rural Electrification under Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojna. Stressing on the need for transparency in Government projects, the Minister urged media to monthly monitor the ongoing Rural electrification process on real time basis on “GARV” Mobile app and highlight, if any, deficiencies are found in the system. Goyal assured that the Centre will provide full support to the state government in their efforts to ensure 100 per cent electrification of villages for the benefit of common man. He also highlighted the features of recently launched mobile application “Vidyut Pravah” and said that this will empower people to question state government regarding power scenario by providing real time information such as availability of power, shortages if any and the cost of power on the exchange. While answering the questions from media, Goyal said that the Central Government has sanctioned the highest amount of Rs 6946 crore to the State government of UP under Deen Dayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojna and Rs 5651 crore under Integrated Power Development Scheme. Under UDAY, the State would be benefited by Rs 33,000 crore in next 3 years Goyal assured that Centre is ready to provide as much power as required by the Uttar Pradesh. We have approved few projects recently from which 85% power will be given to Uttar Pradesh.