Changes to communitisation model in power sector won’t affect people in rural areas—Nagaland Power minister KG Kenye

KOHIMA — Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye said on Friday that amendments made in the communitisation project under power department will affect villages in urban and sub-urban segments, not those in rural areas of the state.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an event, the minister reminded that the state government has already moved three notifications during the recently-concluded Nagaland Legislative Assembly session.

The notifications were: amendment of the “Nagaland Communitisation of Electricity Management in Villages by Village Councils Rules, 2002”; amendment of the “Additional Condition of Supply of Electricity to Villages, 2002”; and repeal of the “Nagaland Communitisation of Electricity (Management in Urban Areas by Urban Electricity Management Board) Rules, 2004.”

Kenye informed that the notifications have been sent to the Governor for assent. Once the Governor approves the bill, the department will then proceed with its execution.

He explained that many villages have sprung up around cities and towns, and the notifications are meant for them.

According to him, this move will help the department recover about 40% of loss. He added that after the department introduces the smart metering system, it expects the revenue to climb higher.

Noting that some people are resisting the implementation of smart metering system, Kenye insisted that people should understand and come to terms with the concept of technology for efficiency.

PAC-public meeting

Regarding the parliamentary affairs committee (PAC) decision to meet with mass-based Naga organsations to discuss the Naga political issue, Kenye said that the Chairman of the PAC is the Chief Minister, and a lot depends on his convenience.

Kenye noted that this has been a top personal agenda for both the Chief Minister and the government. He assured that once the Chief Minister is available, the government will proceed with the meeting.

The minister informed that the PAC will engage with civil society organisations and apex tribal bodies.