MP, Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal chaired the first District Electricity Committee meeting of Leh and Kargil districts at DC Conference Hall on June 1.  
 
The meeting essentially discussed the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) that aims to improve the quality, reliability, and affordability of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient distribution sector.
 
Enquiring the criteria and basis for the formulation of the action plan of RDSS, MP Ladakh stressed and recommended the extension of the plan period beyond ten years considering the population and load growth of the region in the future. 
 
MP Ladakh exhorted that electrification is a prerequisite for the digitalization of the state. He directed both the district administrations to ensure that health and educational institutions are electrified on a priority basis and review their progress. 
 
He proposed for delegation of magisterial power to officers of the Power Development Department to ensure smooth execution and implementation of the plans and schemes. MP Ladakh also enquired about the safety provisions provided to the linemen of PDD, who are contractually or casually employed. He directed the concerned department to ensure the provision of insurance coverage given the nature of work performed by a lineman. 
 
MP Ladakh instructed the department to submit a report in this regard within 15 days.    
 
Earlier, District Superintending Engineer (DSE), Power Development Department (PDD), Leh briefed about the RDSS and its three components, including metering, distribution infrastructure work, and project management. 
 
It was informed that REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) have been engaged as the Project Management Agency for the formulation of the Action Plan and Detailed Project Report (DPR) of RDSS for UT Ladakh.
 
A representative from RECPDCL presented a detailed power-point presentation highlighting the different components of the RDSS plan for both Leh and Kargil districts, including metering, loss reduction, and modernization of works with a proposed outlay of 910.22 crores. It also focused on targeted interventions for loss reduction and modernization/system strengthening.
 
The meeting also discussed billing and metering provisions, replacement of wooden poles, and payment of Net Present Value (NPV) to the Wildlife Department.
 
Deputy Commissioner, Leh/Kargil; Chief Engineer, PDD Ladakh; District Superintending Engineer, PDD, Leh/Kargil; Executive Engineer, PDD, Leh/Kargil; Representatives from RECPDCL and NHPC and other concerned officials attended the meeting.