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.
