J-K: Empowered panel set up for fast-tracking pending matters

An empowered committee has been formed to review, coordinate and fast track all important pending matters related to Power Development and Science and Technology Departments in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Following directions by Governor N N Vohra, an Empowered Committee has been constituted to review, coordinate and fast track all important pending matters relating to Power Development Department (PDD) and Science & Technology Department," an official spokesperson said today.
The panel will be headed by the Chief Secretary while Financial Commissioner Planning and Development Department, Principal Secretary Forests, Commissioner Finance and Secretary Science and Technology Department will be its members, he said.

Commissioner, Power Development Department will be Member Secretary of the Committee, the spokesperson said.
The panel has been tasked to look into important pending matters including, enhancement of Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency's (JAKEDA) mandate for exploitation of small and Micro Hydel projects from 2 MW to 15 MW, he said.
It will also look into capacity building support by the Power Development Department and the institutional framework required to carry out this mandate, establishing a mechanism for fast tracking the approvals required under a single window clearance mode for Independent Power Producers (IPP) projects tendered by JAKEDA.

The panel will look at finalising policy issues related to approval of tariff, award of contracts and signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for waste to energy, solar and other non-conventional energy projects being tendered by Departments other than the PDD, finalising the roadmap for exploiting solar power potential by S&T Department, the spokesperson said.

He said, the commission will also identify land for solar parks in Jammu and Kashmir Divisions.
The commission will also review progress of various projects and flagship schemes being implemented by the PDD and the JKSPDC and examine the need, scope of engaging and outsourcing of CPSUs like NHPC, PGCI.