‘Bijli Mahotsav’ organised jointly by Punjab government & Government of India in Ludhiana today 

Ludhiana, July 25, 2022: As part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – to celebrate 75 years of India's Independence, Ministry of Power in association with District Administration Ludhiana organised a ‘Bijli Mahotsav’ at Guru Nanak Bhawan today. The Bijli Mahotsav was used as a platform to celebrate the collaboration between the state and the Central Governments and highlight the key achievements of the power sector.

Gill MLA Jeevan Singh Sangowal was the chief guest on the occasion, while Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik was the guest of honour. ADC (Rural Development) Amit Kumar Panchal, SDM (West) Kulpreet Singh, Chief Engineer PS Khamba were also present on the occasion.

While addressing the gathering, Ashutosh Bahuguna of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Ltd, on belhalf of Government of India, said that there has been an increase in generation capacity from 2,48,554 MW in 2014 to 4,00,000 MW today which is 1,85,000 MW more than our demand. He said that India is exporting electricity to its neighboring countries now and 1,63,000 ckm of transmission lines added, connecting entire country into one grid running on one frequency. From Ladakh to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Myanmar border it has emerged as the largest integrated grid in the world.

He said that India can transmit 1,12,000 MW of electricity from one corner of the country to the other using this grid. He said that the government had committed in COP21 that by 2030, 40% of our generation capacity would be from Renewable Energy sources. We have achieved this target by November 2021, 9 years ahead of schedule. “Today we generate 1,63,000 MW through Renewable Energy sources. We are installing Renewable Energy capacity at the fasted pace in the world. With a total outlay of Rs.2,01,722 Crore we have strengthened the distribution infrastructure in past five years by – making 2,921 new sub-stations, augmentation of 3,926 sub-stations, installing 6,04,465 ckm LT lines, installing 2,68,838 11 KV HT lines, Feeder segregation of 1,22,123 ckm agricultural feeders and installing,” he said.

ADC (RD) Amit Kumar Panchal said that the government has introduced Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 under which, maximum time limit for getting a new connection has been notified, Consumers can now become prosumer by adopting roof top solar, Timely billing will be ensured, Timelines notified for addressing the meter related complaints, The state regulatory authority will notify timelines for other services, DISCOMs will set up 24X7 call centers to address to consumer complaints, Achieved 100% village electrification (18,374) in 2018 in 987 days, Achieved 100% household electrification (2.86 Cr) in 18 months. Identified as the world’s largest electrification drive. A Scheme has also been introduced for adoption of solar pumps under which – central government will give 30% subsidy and state government will give 30% subsidy. In addition, 30% loan facility will be available.
 
Chief Guest MLA Jeevan Singh Sangowal said that the Bijli Mahotsavs are being celebrated all over the country under the umbrella of Ujjwal Bharat Ujjwal Bhavishya – Power @2047 for more public participation and getting across the developments in the power sector to the citizens at large. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, 600 units of free power is being given to all households and many such pro-people initiatives would be launched soon.

Students from Ishmeet Singh Music Institute presented songs and Nukkad Natak’s on energy conservation. Short films on the power sector were also organised. 

PSPCL SE R. Vashist, Additional SE Daljeet Singh were also present on the occasion.