DIMAPUR, MARCH 24 (PIB): Nagaland’s energy sector is limping behind in per capita power consumption at 150 units only against the national average of over 300 units. But the successful implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) may provide access to villages and it will increase the rate of power consumption in the State.
According to 2001 Census figures of Nagaland, Dimapur district has the highest number of un-electrified villages figuring 18.
Addressing a technical session on RGGVY Shikato Sema, Executive Engineer (Electrical Division), Dimapur at the Public Information Campaign organized by Press Information Bureau at Town Hall on March 23 said that power scenario of the State would improve soon. The power department is still to electrify 43 per cent rural household in the State.
Under RGGVY, electricity distribution infrastructure is envisaged to establish Rural Electricity Distribution Backbone with at least a 33/11 KV sub-station, village electrification infrastructure (VEI) with at least a distribution transformer in village or hamlet and standalone grids with generation where grid supply is not feasible.
This infrastructure would cater to the requirement of agriculture and other activities in rural areas including irrigation pumsets, small and medium industries, khadi and village industries, cold-chains, healthcare education and IT. This would facilitate overall rural development and employment generation and poverty alleviation.
Subsidy towards capital expenditure to the tune of 90 per cent will be provided through Rural Electrification Corporation Limited, which is a nodal agency for implementation of the scheme. Electrification of un-electrified below poverty line households will be financed with 100 per cent capita subsidy at the rate of Rs. 1,500 per connection in all rural habitations.
The management of rural distribution is mandated through franchisees. The services of Central Public Sector Undertakings are available to the streets for assisting them in the execution of rural electrification projects.
