Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren conducted a high-level review of the latest works and ongoing schemes of the Energy Department at the Jharkhand Ministry and directed officials to ensure that uninterrupted, quality and affordable electricity reaches every citizen of the State, describing it as the Government’s highest priority.
The Chief Minister observed that the energy sector forms the backbone of Jharkhand’s economic, industrial and social development. He therefore instructed officials to modernise, strengthen and make the State’s power generation, transmission and distribution systems more citizen-centric.
He directed the department to ensure round-the-clock quality power supply across the State and develop an effective mechanism for the prompt resolution of power outages and other electricity-related issues. Emphasising the growing demand for energy, he instructed officials to focus on increasing power generation capacity, expanding the transmission network and adopting modern technologies.
The Chief Minister further stated that uninterrupted electricity should be ensured not only in urban areas but also across rural and remote regions of the State. He directed the Energy Department to prioritise public welfare and ensure timely as well as quality implementation of all schemes.
During the review, Shri Hemant Soren instructed officials to ensure permanent solutions to complaints related to power cuts and to make adequate electricity available to consumers as per their requirements. He also directed that whenever a transformer is damaged, a replacement transformer should be installed within 24 hours, ensuring that the public does not face inconvenience.
Focus On Increasing Power Generation Capacity Through Modern Technologies And Resources
During the review meeting, Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren laid special emphasis on enhancing the State’s electricity generation capacity and directed officials to promote the adoption of modern and innovation-driven technologies in the energy sector.
He stated that Jharkhand possesses immense potential in its rivers, reservoirs and waterfalls, and that these resources should be scientifically and technically assessed to accelerate hydropower generation.
The Chief Minister specifically instructed officials to undertake detailed studies of the hydropower potential of Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, and other waterfalls and reservoirs across the State and prepare a comprehensive action plan.
He further directed officials to utilise modern technologies and engineering solutions to maximise electricity generation even with limited water availability, thereby strengthening Jharkhand’s energy self-reliance and effectively meeting future power requirements.
Three New Smart Grids To Be Established In Ranchi, Further Strengthening Power Infrastructure
As part of a major initiative to modernise and strengthen the State’s electricity distribution system, three new Smart Grids will be established in Ranchi.
Officials informed Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren that the new Smart Grids will be developed at Kusai Colony, Bariatu and Itki. In addition, several new power substations will also be constructed across the region.
Officials stated that the Smart Grid project will equip the electricity distribution system with advanced technology, resulting in improved quality of power supply and ensuring uninterrupted and reliable electricity for consumers.
The project will also enhance monitoring of electricity supply, facilitate efficient load management and enable quicker resolution of potential technical issues.
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete the project within the stipulated timeline while maintaining the highest standards of quality and transparency during implementation.
He stated that the State Government remains committed to providing better infrastructure and public services and has accorded high priority to the modernisation of the energy sector.
Officials further informed the Chief Minister that once operational, the Smart Grids will significantly strengthen the power distribution network, reduce transmission losses and provide consumers with more efficient and modern electricity services.
The project is expected to become a significant milestone in strengthening Jharkhand’s energy infrastructure.
All Eligible Consumers To Receive The Benefit Of 200 Units Of Free Electricity
Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren directed officials to ensure that all eligible consumers in the State receive the benefits of the 200 Units Free Electricity Scheme in an effective and transparent manner.
He stated that ensuring the benefits of the Government’s welfare schemes reach the last eligible beneficiary remains the State Government’s highest priority.
During the review of the Energy Department, the Chief Minister instructed officials to simplify the process of identifying eligible beneficiaries, implementing the scheme and distributing its benefits so that no eligible consumer is deprived of the scheme.
He also directed officials to regularly monitor the implementation of the scheme and ensure prompt disposal of all grievances related to it.
The Chief Minister observed that the Free Electricity Scheme is providing significant financial relief to lakhs of families across Jharkhand. He stressed that it is essential to ensure that all eligible consumers receive the benefits of the scheme on time.
He further instructed officials to undertake extensive awareness campaigns so that more eligible beneficiaries are informed about and can avail themselves of the scheme.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that necessary steps are being taken to ensure timely implementation of the scheme and delivery of benefits to all eligible consumers.
The Chief Minister directed departmental officials to maintain continuous monitoring and coordination for the effective implementation of the scheme.
Special Emphasis On Modernisation And Capacity Expansion Of Sikidiri Hydel Power Plant
During the review meeting, Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren undertook a detailed review of the current generation capacity, technical status and future potential of the Sikidiri Hydel Power Project.
He directed officials to carry out a comparative assessment of the efficiency of both the old and newly installed machines at the plant to comprehensively evaluate their performance and improve power generation in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
The Chief Minister stated that the Government should take concrete steps towards modernising the Sikidiri Power Plant by adopting rapidly evolving technologies in the energy sector.
He observed that modern and energy-efficient technologies would enable maximum power generation with lower water consumption.
He instructed officials to examine the feasibility of deploying modern and energy-efficient equipment at the plant and prepare a detailed technical report.
The Chief Minister further directed officials to prepare a long-term action plan for expanding the generation capacity of the Sikidiri Power Plant in view of the State’s growing energy requirements.
He also instructed the department to ensure increased power generation while reducing production costs through modern technologies and improved resource management so that Jharkhand can emerge as a stronger and more self-reliant State in the energy sector.
Directions Issued To Expedite Floating And Rooftop Solar Projects
Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren reviewed the progress of the proposed Floating Solar Projects and directed officials to expedite all necessary procedures for their implementation.
He instructed officials to take effective measures to promote the installation of floating solar panels in reservoirs across the State and encourage rooftop solar systems on both government and private buildings.
The Chief Minister observed that the State possesses immense potential for solar energy generation and that better utilisation of this potential can significantly strengthen Jharkhand’s energy capacity.
He directed officials to prepare a practical and long-term action plan for expanding solar energy projects across the State in order to promote clean and green energy generation.
The Chief Minister further stated that large-scale promotion of solar energy projects is essential to make Jharkhand self-reliant in the renewable energy sector.
He added that such initiatives would not only enhance electricity generation but also contribute significantly towards environmental conservation and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Preparation Underway To Promote Solar Farming On Barren Land To Enhance Farmers’ Income
Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren directed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to promote Solar Farming on barren and unused land, with the objective of increasing farmers’ income while encouraging clean energy production.
He stated that unused and barren land available across the State should be utilised for solar power generation, thereby creating an additional and sustainable source of income for farmers.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to provide farmers with the necessary subsidies and technical assistance for the installation of solar panels.
He also directed the department to develop an effective and transparent mechanism for the Government’s purchase of electricity generated by farmers so that they receive fair returns for the energy produced.
The Chief Minister stated that this initiative would not only economically empower farmers but also accelerate renewable and clean energy generation across Jharkhand.
He added that the initiative would strengthen the State’s energy self-reliance while making a significant contribution towards environmental protection and sustainable development objectives.
Directions Issued To Develop A Modern Transmission Network And Resolve Bottlenecks In Grid Projects
Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren laid special emphasis on developing a modern, secure and citizen-centric electricity transmission network across the State and directed officials to take the necessary steps towards achieving this objective.
He instructed officials to expedite the adoption of modern monopole transmission structures in place of conventional four-pole systems, enabling the transmission network to become more organised, technically advanced and space-efficient.
The Chief Minister stated that such technologies should be given priority, particularly in urban and densely populated areas, where they require less land and minimise inconvenience to the public.
He also directed officials to ensure proper alignment of electricity poles, undertake regular maintenance and strictly adhere to safety standards in order to minimise accidents and make the power distribution system more reliable.
During the review, the Chief Minister interacted through video conferencing with the Deputy Commissioners of Bokaro, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh, along with senior officials of the Forest Department, to review land-related bottlenecks affecting transmission lines and grid construction projects.
He directed officials to ensure coordinated action for resolving issues relating to forest clearances, land transfer and other administrative approvals within the next 10 days, so that all transmission line and grid projects are completed within the stipulated timelines and the State’s power infrastructure is further strengthened.
Directions Issued To Accelerate AI-Based Monitoring System And Smart Metering Campaign
Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren stressed the need for extensive adoption of modern technologies in the energy sector and directed departmental officials to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Monitoring System.
He observed that AI-driven technologies could significantly improve the monitoring of electricity supply, grievance redressal, project implementation and service delivery, making the entire system more effective, transparent and accountable.
The Chief Minister stated that technology-enabled monitoring would facilitate faster identification and resolution of electricity-related issues while improving consumer services.
He further instructed officials to promote digital innovations across the energy sector and modernise departmental functioning through technology-driven initiatives.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the Smart Metering Campaign being implemented across the State and directed officials to expedite its execution.
He instructed that installation of smart meters should be completed within the prescribed timeline to enable accurate monitoring of electricity consumption, improve energy management and provide consumers with better and more transparent services.
Recruitment To Vacant Posts In The Energy Department To Be Undertaken Soon; Directions Issued To Fill 35 Per Cent Of Vacancies In The First Phase
Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren reviewed the vacant positions in the Energy Department and its affiliated organisations and directed officials to expedite the recruitment process.
He observed that timely filling of vacant posts is essential for strengthening the Department’s efficiency and improving service delivery to consumers.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to complete all necessary administrative and legal procedures and initiate recruitment to 35 per cent of the vacant posts in the first phase.
He further directed that the recruitment proposal be placed before the Cabinet for the necessary approvals to ensure that the process is completed without unnecessary delay.
The Chief Minister also instructed that human resources should not remain confined to headquarters and urban centres alone but should be deployed adequately in rural areas and at the Panchayat level.
He stated that the availability of sufficient manpower at the grassroots level would enable more effective execution of electricity supply, maintenance, grievance redressal and consumer service-related functions.
The Chief Minister observed that adequate human resources form the foundation of an efficient department and instructed officials to accord priority to the recruitment process by ensuring the availability of qualified and trained personnel so that Energy Department services effectively reach every citizen of the State.
Directions Issued To Ensure 24-Hour Uninterrupted Electricity Supply In Hospitals
Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren, while emphasising uninterrupted healthcare services as a top priority, directed officials to ensure 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply in all Government and major healthcare institutions across the State.
He observed that uninterrupted electricity in hospitals is directly linked to patient treatment and life-saving services, and therefore power supply should not be disrupted under any circumstances.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure a Dual-Line Power Supply System in all hospitals so that, in the event of a technical fault in one line, electricity supply continues seamlessly through the alternate line.
He emphasised that continuous electricity is critical for the functioning of emergency services, operation theatres, intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal care units and other essential medical facilities.
The Chief Minister further directed officials to conduct regular inspections and technical assessments of hospital electrical infrastructure and strengthen it wherever necessary to ensure uninterrupted and reliable healthcare services throughout the State.
