KSEB must establish monopoly: Aryadan
[url]http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp ... 392388.ece
KOTTAYAM, May 7, 2012
Power Minister Aryadan Mohammed has said that the monopoly of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) must be established in the energy sector of the State.
Inaugurating the 59th Annual General Body meeting of the KSEB Engineers' Association (KSEBEA) here on Sunday, Mr. Mohammed said that the State is currently in the midst of an acute power shortage.
“While the electricity demand currently stood at 3400 MW, there is roughly a 10 per cent increase annually. It has been projected that the State would require nearly 6000 MW by the year 2020. However, at present, the State is able to provide only less than 40 per cent of the demand through hydel power, which is the primary source for electricity generation. The overall development of the State depends upon the availability of electricity. Self-sufficiency in this regard is vital for the simultaneous growth of the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. At the present rate, we are staring at the problem of catering to merely 20 per cent of the demand by 2020. As a result, Kerala would be the State that generates the least amount of electricity domestically. The State would then suffer from a weak economic situation.
A cascading effect of the development would be the diminishing relevance of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). While the total power generated in the country through projects commissioned until the 11th Five Year Plan is 76,000 MW, the State's share stands at a mere 137 MW. This reflects the pitiable state of the energy sector of the State.
The current trends could lead to a scenario in which the public would demand the increased role
of the private sector in generation, distribution and transmission of electricity. Ultimately, the energy sector would come under the hands of corporate giants and this would not auger well for the State, its people and the employees. In this way, the monopoly of the KSEB was necessary for the welfare of the public and the State as a whole. The organisation must be transformed in such a way that it is able to cater to the needs of the State,” he said.
Mr. Mohammed also provided assurances that the government was committed to providing every deserving benefit to the employees of the KSEB. “The implementation of the Electricity Act of 2003 has led to a reality in which the KSEB has ceased to exist since 2010. Moreover, the previous LDF government had implemented the Act by transferring the assets of the board to the government. As a result, the burden faced by the KSEB is being currently shouldered by the government. This was why benefits must be sanctioned by the government, even after they have been approved by the KSEB. However, I assure that the pensions and eligible benefits of employees will never be denied by the government on any account,” he said.
Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan inaugurated the national seminar on “Solar power a solution to power crisis in Kerala” that was conducted as part of the meeting. KSEBEA president E. Mohammed Shereef presided over the function. KSEB Member (Transmission and General Operation) M. Muhammed Ali Rawther delivered the keynote address.
Kottayam Municipal Chairman Sunny Kalloor, KSEBEA general secretary N.T. Joy and vice-president KSEBEA spoke.
KSEB EA AGB 2012
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