UP govt approves signing of power project

The Uttar Pradesh government today approved signing of an agreement between UP State Power Generation Corporation and Niveli Lignite Corporation for setting up of a 2000 Mw thermal power project in Kanpur.

The decision in this regard was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mayawati here.

As per the decision, the state would get at least 75 per cent of the power generated, the government spokesman said, adding that the plant would be established in Ghatampur of Kanpur district.

Meanwhile, Mayawati also directed the Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation (UPFC) to provide 50 per cent of the total profit generated from tendu leaves to those who collect it.

The work of collecting tendu leaves for the bidi industry is done by local labourers, who sell it at UPFC centres.

These labourers are currently issued coupons and paid Rs 500 for 50,000 tendu leaves.