Chandigarh: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday announced a monthly risk allowance of Rs 500 for employees of state power corporations and directed officials to complete formalities related to job security within a week.Chairing a review meeting of power distribution companies here, Saini directed officials to prioritise uninterrupted electricity supply to households and industries, expedite infrastructure projects and strengthen consumer grievance redressal mechanisms. The state has also set a target of installing 2.22 lakh smart meters by March 2027.The CM stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted power supply to industrial hubs, particularly Faridabad, and address electricity-related issues in Gurgaon.Taking note of complaints that residents of group housing societies were being charged higher rates through resident welfare associations, he directed power corporation officials to hold meetings with RWAs and establish fair norms for consumers.He also called for an effective mechanism to register and promptly resolve complaints about incorrect electricity bills through helplines.Push for solar energySaini directed officials to formulate a plan to install solar panels along agricultural fields under the PM-KUSUM scheme, creating an additional income source for farmers while boosting renewable energy generation.He also called for a solar-based scheme for rural consumers, envisaging rooftop solar plants of at least 2 kW to help eligible households reduce electricity bills, with a subsidy of up to Rs 78,000. The meeting also discussed providing 350 units of electricity to rural consumers through solar generation.The CM directed officials to select one village in every district with low transmission and distribution losses and 100% bill collection for development as a smart village. Similar initiatives should be pursued in urban areas, he said.Solar plants are also being planned on govt buildings, bus stands, schools and medical and educational institutions. Saini directed officials to install solar plants at all 248 proposed new school buildings and expedite these projects.Generation and infrastructureThe CM called for faster implementation of the proposed 800 MW power plant in Yamunanagar and generation projects in Jhajjar and Panipat. Another unit is planned at Khedar in Hisar, where work has begun.A Central Power Research Institute testing laboratory will also be established on 30 acres at Asan Kalan village in Panipat.Saini directed officials to use GIS technology for infrastructure planning, maintain adequate spare transformers and ensure electricity poles do not obstruct future road-widening projects.Officials informed the meeting that 6,105 villages were receiving 24-hour power supply under the Mhara Gaon Jagmag Gaon scheme. The CM urged them to bring more villages under the programme and strengthen Haryana’s self-reliance in the power sector.
