Chhattisgarh shows strong progress in RDSS Implementation

RAIPUR,INDIA: The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a key initiative of the Government of India, was reviewed by Vivek Kumar Dewangan, CMD of Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). He assessed the progress of various projects under the scheme in Chhattisgarh, describing the state's performance as encouraging. He also suggested incorporating lessons from other states to implement further improvements.

The review meeting took place at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, where senior officials, including Principal Secretary (Energy) Subodh Kumar Singh, Special Secretary (Energy) Sunil Kumar Jain, and Managing Director (Discom) Bhimsingh Kanwar, were present. Representatives from REC, including Executive Directors Rahul Dwivedi, T. Chandrashekhar Sakhmuri, and Pradeep Felos, also attended the meeting.

During the session, MD Bhimsingh Kanwar provided a detailed update on the progress of the scheme through a PowerPoint presentation. Subodh Kumar Singh analyzed the state’s performance, focusing on critical areas such as reducing line losses, installing smart meters, renewal projects, and the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Suryaghar Free Power Scheme. The review highlighted that Chhattisgarh has performed exceptionally well compared to other states, securing the fourth position in line loss reduction with an achievement rate of 41.35 percent. In terms of smart meter installation, the state ranks third in the country, with 20 percent completion.

Chhattisgarh began implementing the RDSS in 2023, whereas most other states had started in 2021. The installation of smart meters has significantly reduced line losses, with Raipur City South improving from 66 percent to 15 percent, Ambikapur City reducing losses from 32 percent to 6 percent, and Manendragarh witnessing a decline from 21.88 percent to 6 percent.

During the discussion, CMD Vivek Kumar Dewangan emphasized the importance of public awareness about smart metering and net metering to maximize the scheme’s impact. He suggested that studying challenges faced by other states could help further improve implementation in Chhattisgarh. He also welcomed new measures aimed at enhancing consumer benefits under the Prime Minister’s Suryaghar Free Power Scheme.