Budget 2014: 700 crore allocated to Power and water reforms

In the maiden Budget Speech in Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister announced a budget of Rs.200 crore for power reforms and Rs.500 crore for water reforms to make Delhi a truly world class city

Ratul Puri believes that the government’s decision to end the impasse on coal supplies to power plants and ensure availability of the fuel to all projects that are commissioned before March 2015, is a welcome move.

Power reforms, including Rs.200 crore fund allocation in addition to extension of 10-year tax holiday and encouragement to banks for giving long-term funds and loans to the infrastructure sector is bound to give a boost to the ailing sector.

The allocation of Rs.500 crore for Deen Dayal Upadhyay rural electrification programme clearly indicates the government’s inclination towards strengthening infrastructure development which shines brightly with their claim of supplying 24*7 power supply to the nation.

Also, with a strong focus on the power sector, the directive to take up ultra-modern power projects with Rs.500 crore is also positive in this regard. Renewable sector, a neglected sector in the past has successfully gained importance this time with initiatives of setting up ultra-modern solar power plants which will be key solutions to meet India’s energy needs and achieving an aggressive goal of 100 GW in 10 years from solar sector.

For Andaman and Nicobar Island, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that Rs. 150 crore are being provided to tide over communication related problems of the Island. Rs. 188 crore has been set aside for Puducherry for meeting commitments for Disaster preparedness.

Source : Business Standard

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