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
This story is from the May 16, 2020 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 16, 2020 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
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
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
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
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.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
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.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara
