IMPHAL: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said the process for initiating a public-private partnership (PPP) model for improving the power scenario in the state has already begun.
At present, the state electricity department is supplying power for four to six hours a day to people compared to three to four hours earlier. "My government is trying to bring about some path-breaking changes in Manipur. One of our priority sectors is power. We have initiated a process of total change in the sector by PPP," said the chief minister, who also holds the power portfolio.
Initial offers have already been floated to invite capable and specialized private energy entities in Manipur, he added.
The chief minister lamented that the state has lagged behind in economic development owing to prolonged conflicts. He added that his government has already identified a number of potential and feasible locations for a hydropower project.
"The aim is to invite non-government expertise and capital to harness the hydel potential of our state. But, we must understand that all these efforts would be subject to the prevailing situation in the state," the CM said.
Ibobi Singh, who inaugurated a whooping five power sub-stations in Imphal on Friday, said private entrepreneurs have always been avoiding Manipur due to the state's volatile situation.
"In view of our recent initiatives in the power sector, many private companies seem to be showing keen interest in Manipur. This has encouraged us. We hope that these reforms would continue and not get discouraged by law and order problem," he said.
"Peace initiatives need to be carried forward. Only then we can expect a change and economic development. People have realized this truth. We have witnessed a prolonged political stability and steady improvement in conflict situation in Manipur. However it is yet to reach a satisfactory level. This challenge is still tough," he added.
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