India to march with developed nations in N energy sector: Sonia

Exuding confidence that the Indo-US nuclear deal will allow India to meet its future energy needs, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said the pact will put the country in the league of elite nations which dominate the atomic power sector.      

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's achievement on Indo-US nuclear deal is historic as India would be fulfilling its energy needs in near future," Gandhi told a gathering after inaugurating the Barsingsar Lignite mine and Thermal Power Station, 30 kms from here.  

Hailing the nuclear deal, the UPA Chairperson said "India will march along with the developed nation in nuclear energy sector".         

Gandhi said the first unit of 125-Mw lignite power plant would be ready next year and would benefit at least five districts of Rajasthan providing electricity to farmers and industries.        

Gandhi said the two units of Barsingsar lignite power and mine project would create thousands of job for youths and skilled labourers.  

Pointing to the Rs 65000-crore loan waiver that will benefit four crore farmers, Gandhi said "the Centre is committed for the welfare and uplift of poor people."   

"The Central government has also made a corpus fund of Rs 25000 crores for farmers to meet any exigencies," Gandhi said and promised to introduce similar welfare schemes in future too.  

Two thermal units of 125 Mw each would usher in consistent power supply to the people, all round progress and prosperity in the state, she said.