Odisha forms panel for RGGVY execution in 12th Plan

To ensure smooth implementation of projects under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), the Odisha government has constituted a 16-member standing committee headed by chief secretary, J K Mohapatra.

The committee's mandate is to recommend the detailed project reports (DPRs) and monitor RGGVY implementation during the 12th Plan period (2012-17). Apart from top officials of other departments like home, finance, revenue & disaster management, energy, rural development, forest & environment and panchayati raj, the panel would have representatives from the four distribution utilities operating in the state and also Central PSUs like Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).

Meanwhile, the state energy department has given instructions to the district collectors to submit DPRs by the end of this month.

As per the timelines stipulated by the Government of India, survey and preparation of DPRs for RGGVY implementation in the 12th Plan is to be completed by September 30. Then, the state level committee will make recommendations to the Centre by October 15.

Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), the nodal agency for RGGVY implementation will appraise the DPRs by October 30. While the monitoring committee of the Union power ministry is to approve these DPRs by November 15, contracts are expected to be awarded within 90 days from the date of sanction.

The DPRs would cover sanction and implementation of new projects covering left out villages and habitations and providing free electricity connections to remaining BPL (below poverty line) households and providing access to electricity to rural households.

Under the 12th Plan, only those villages and habitations having population of 100 and above are eligible to be covered.

The guidelines issued by the government of India state that under 12th Plan of RGGVY, a village is contemplated as a sum of habitations wherein the main village is considered as the main habitation of the village. The habitations already covered under RGGV will not be eligible for funding under 12th Plan. However, for the left out BPL households in the already covered villages and habitations, it is proposed to provide capital subsidy at the rate of Rs 3,000 per connection.