Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, chaired a review meeting in Ranchi to assess the progress of power sector initiatives and urban development schemes in Jharkhand.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and examined the operational and financial performance of state power distribution companies. He expressed concern over high Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses and the ACS-ARR gap, urging the state government to take corrective measures to improve the financial health of DISCOMs.

The minister also emphasized the need to restructure DISCOM debt, ensure timely clearance of government department dues, and complete the conversion of electricity connections for government establishments to prepaid smart meters by August 31, 2026. He further called for accelerated installation of smart meters for commercial, industrial, and other consumer categories.

Reviewing future power requirements, the minister stressed the importance of resource adequacy planning and strengthening intra-state transmission infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand. He also directed the state to expedite electrification of tribal households under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA).

Progress under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM schemes was also reviewed, with the state encouraged to speed up implementation and prioritize rooftop solar installations on government buildings to reduce power procurement costs.

The Union Minister assured continued support from the Central Government for the development of Jharkhand’s power and urban infrastructure sectors. State officials, led by Urban Development Minister Sudivya Kumar, assured full cooperation and pledged to accelerate the implementation of approved projects and reforms.