DISTRESS DRAFT

Centre is in a rush to amend power law. The draft bill takes away powers from state governments and gives them to private firms

- KUNDAN PANDEY

AT A time when India is fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Union Ministry of Power has hurriedly started the process of amending the Electricity Act, 2003. On April 17, when the crisis was peaking, the ministry floated the Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020, inviting suggestions from stakeholders, the extended deadline for which ends on June 5.

The draft makes three key proposals: abandon the existing subsidy and cross-subsidy model, allow private parties in power distribution as sub-licensee, and create Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority (ecea). The intention is clear: centralise power and protect the interests of private players.

“The Centre has been pushing for privatising the power sector for long. The draft is a step in that direction,” says Shailendra Dubey, president of the All India Power Engineers Federation. The National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers has expressed concern over the rush to float the draft during lockdown. In 2018 and 2019, the opposition parties had forcefully rejected the draft. This could well be the reason for the Centre’s great hurry. The Telangana government has not only criticised the draft but said it would oppose the bill as it takes away states’ powers.

WHAT’S DISCONCERTING

Draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill puts an end to subsidy and cross-subsidy

Allows private players in electricity distribution by sub-licensing

Creates the Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority

PROBLEM AREAS