Assam power sector reforms on cards with ADB loans & grants

Power sector reforms and the introduction of public-private partnership in the sector, are high on the agenda of the Assam government in the coming days.

The state government plans to take forward power sector reforms with loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It is learnt that satisfied with the past performance of the Assam government in implementing power sector reforms, ADB has expressed its willingness to give loans and grants.

Speaking at a seminar on power sector reforms organised by the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB), Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi hinted at going in a "big way" to generate "more power" and streamlining the power transmission and distribution network.

“Though there has been a marked improvement in the power sector in the wake of reforms, there is still much to be done on the front,” said Gogoi, referring to the power sector reforms initiated by the state government couple of years back with loans from ADB.

"ASEB, if need be, should go for outsourcing; and should engage consultancy firms to make its operations viable. Going for public-private partnership will be beneficial to both sides," said Gogoi. He also said that private agencies could be engaged by ASEB to detect power thefts.