Power reforms in West Bengal on fast track
After the recent decision to bifurcate the West Bengal State Electricity Board (WBSEB), the state government has decided to expedite the power sector reforms.
By TNN |
KOLKATA: After the recent decision to bifurcate the West Bengal State Electricity Board (WBSEB), the state government has decided to expedite the power sector reforms.
To start with, it will soon float a global tender to appoint a consultant to prepare the capacity expansion road map. It will also decide on total manpower of the two companies that will be formed on April 1 after the board bifurcation.
Post-bifurcation, WBSEB���s distribution and transmission operations will become distinct companies ��� West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co (WBSEDC) and West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Co (WBSETC). WBSEB chairman MK De said: ���The two new companies will have more technical people to run efficiently. At present, one-third of WBSEB's staff-strength of 25,400 constitutes non-technical people. We need more technical people. And for this, the government is open to the idea of taking a relook at the existing compensation structure and come up with incentive packages to retain professionals.���
���For this, the state government has decided to appoint an international consultant who can advise in this light," said Mr De. Incidentally, the government had earlier appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to prepare the power sector restructuring package.
The government also plans to induct fresh blood into the upcoming entities ��� WBSEDC and WBSETC. Over the next five years, one-third of our existing employees will retire. Most are 55 years of age. Therefore, the new entities will require people and will go on a major recruitment drive.
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���There���s been no major recruitment at WBSEB for over 15 years,��� he said. Earlier, state power minister Mrinal Banerjee spoke on the proposed capacity augmentation plans during the 11th Plan. "During the 11th plan period, we will add another 3,550 mw and set up major substations across the state. We will require Rs 20,000 crore and are talking to World Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation for soft loans for upcoming projects," the minister said.The government has set an ambitious target to become the leading player among state-run utilities in the country by 2010. "Based on certain parameters, Crisil has placed West Bengal at fifth spot in the national sweepstakes on the performance of state-owned power utilities. Our aim is to achieve the number one ranking by calender 2010 and we have taken an all-round developmental strategy. This will also facilitate consumers as they will get cheaper power."
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