Lower budgetary allocation for power sector may affect flagship schemes: Par panel

A parliamentary panel on Thursday expressed disappointment over reduced budgetary allocation of Rs 15,874 crore for power sector for 2020-21, saying the cut may adversely impact the progress of flagship programmes in the sector.

As against the power ministry's proposal of Rs 33,366.75 crore, the gross budgetary support of the ministry for 2020-21 is Rs 15,874.82 crore, the Parliamentary Committee on Energy said in a report.

For 2019-20 also, the ministry was allocated Rs 15,874.82 crore as against the demand Rs 32,001.11 crore. In 2018-19 an allocation of Rs 15,046.92 crore was made as against the ministry's demand of Rs 36,843.32 crore.

Considering the importance of various flagship programmes of the ministry and their financial performances in recent years, the committee said "it is disappointed by the budgetary cut made by the Ministry of Finance as it may adversely affect the progress of these programmes."