Kashmir-Based Officers to Attend via Video Conference
Imran Naikoo
Jammu, February 03 (Gulistan News TV):-The Power Development Department (PDD) of Jammu and Kashmir is set to host a crucial meeting tomorrow to discuss the implementation of two pivotal initiatives in the power sector—the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).
Joint Secretary (Power) from the Ministry of Power (GoI) and the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) will preside over the discussions. The meeting is scheduled for 1:00 PM on February 4 in the Meeting Hall, 3rd Floor, Civil Secretariat, Jammu.
According to the order issued by the Deputy Director of PDD:
“The following officers are requested to make it convenient to attend the said deliberations in the meeting, including Principal Secretary to Government, Power Development Department; Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department; Managing Director (Distribution), JPDCL/KPDCL, Jammu/Srinagar; Managing Director, JKPTCL, J&K; DG Budget, Finance Department; Director Finance, Power Development Department; Chief Engineer (Distribution/Projects), JPDCL/KPDCL; Chief Engineer (Transmission), JKPTCL, Jammu/Kashmir; and OSD to Principal Secretary to Government, Power Development Department.”
The order further states that Kashmir-based officers will attend the meeting via a virtual conference link, which will be shared separately.
Pertinently, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir had previously scheduled a high-level meeting for February 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, to discuss key power sector reforms, including the controversial privatization of power distribution. However, the meeting was later cancelled following widespread criticism and a strike call from the Employees Association.
The Jammu & Kashmir Power Employees Coordination Committee (JKPECC) had called for state-wide protests on February 4, citing concerns over the adverse impacts of privatization on job security and livelihoods. However, after the cancellation of the meeting, the JKPECC today deferred its protest call.
Meanwhile, JKNC Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar addressed the issue, terming the privatization of power distribution as a conspiracy by vested interests to mislead the public. He stated:
“Neither Omar Abdullah nor his government has taken any steps in this direction, nor is there any such plan under consideration.”
(Gulistan News TV)