DISTRESS DRAFT
Down To Earth|May 16, 2020
Centre is in a rush to amend power law. The draft bill takes away powers from state governments and gives them to private firms
- KUNDAN PANDEY
DISTRESS DRAFT

AT A time when India is fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Union Ministry of Power has hurriedly started the process of amending the Electricity Act, 2003. On April 17, when the crisis was peaking, the ministry floated the Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020, inviting suggestions from stakeholders, the extended deadline for which ends on June 5.

The draft makes three key proposals: abandon the existing subsidy and cross-subsidy model, allow private parties in power distribution as sub-licensee, and create Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority (ecea). The intention is clear: centralise power and protect the interests of private players.

“The Centre has been pushing for privatising the power sector for long. The draft is a step in that direction,” says Shailendra Dubey, president of the All India Power Engineers Federation. The National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers has expressed concern over the rush to float the draft during lockdown. In 2018 and 2019, the opposition parties had forcefully rejected the draft. This could well be the reason for the Centre’s great hurry. The Telangana government has not only criticised the draft but said it would oppose the bill as it takes away states’ powers.

WHAT’S DISCONCERTING

Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill puts an end to subsidy and cross-subsidy

Allows private players in electricity distribution by sub-licensing

Creates the Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority

PROBLEM AREAS

この蚘事は Down To Earth の May 16, 2020 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Down To Earth の May 16, 2020 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

DOWN TO EARTHのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Down To Earth

A SPRIG TO CARE FOR

Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits

time-read
3 分  |
November 01, 2024
DIGGING A DISASTER
Down To Earth

DIGGING A DISASTER

Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.

time-read
2 分  |
November 01, 2024
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Down To Earth

REVIEW THE TREATMENT

Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient

time-read
3 分  |
November 01, 2024
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
Down To Earth

MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE

As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production

time-read
4 分  |
November 01, 2024
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Down To Earth

Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?

Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag

time-read
4 分  |
November 01, 2024
TROUBLED WOODS
Down To Earth

TROUBLED WOODS

Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health

time-read
10+ 分  |
November 01, 2024
BLINDING GLOW
Down To Earth

BLINDING GLOW

The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.

time-read
10+ 分  |
November 01, 2024
GROUND REALITY
Down To Earth

GROUND REALITY

What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?

time-read
6 分  |
November 01, 2024
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
Down To Earth

GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC

On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.

time-read
6 分  |
November 01, 2024
Vinchurni's Gandhi
Down To Earth

Vinchurni's Gandhi

A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara

time-read
2 分  |
November 01, 2024