GANGTOK, (IPR): A high-level meeting was held in Gangtok today as part of the study visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Rajya Sabha, to deliberate on key provisions of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2021, framed under the Electricity Act, 2023, with a special focus on solar panel regulations.
Chaired by chairperson of the Committee and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Milind Murli Deora, the meeting brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, NHPC, NTPC, Power Grid Corporation, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), and Damodar Valley Corporation.
Key discussions centred on the recent amendments aimed at empowering electricity consumers, improving transparency in service delivery, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy, especially solar power, in both urban and rural sectors, with special focus on the Northeast region of the country.
In a subsequent meeting, the committee engaged with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services (DFS), and major public sector banks including State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Bank of India, UCO Bank, and Indian Bank.
Each bank made detailed presentations on their business performance and outlined specific initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at supporting rooftop solar installations through financial inclusion and accessible credit.
The meetings concluded with interactive sessions, wherein members of the committee put forth a range of suggestions to strengthen implementation mechanisms. Members and stakeholders exchanged ideas, addressed region-specific concerns, and proposed solutions for enhancing outreach and efficiency of solar-related schemes.
Members also highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns to educate consumers about their rights under the amended rules and the long-term benefits of adopting solar energy.