Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday, 30 May chaired a state-level review meeting in Aizawl, pressing Mizoram's Power and Electricity Department to ensure complete recovery of electricity dues and sharpen strategic planning for both power conservation and generation. The meeting, held under his chairmanship, underscored the Centre's focus on plugging revenue leakages and accelerating infrastructure upgrades in the northeast.

Key Directives from the Union Minister

Khattar urged departmental officials to take concrete steps to recover all outstanding electricity dues without delay. He emphasised the priority of installing smart meters in government buildings and major commercial establishments as an immediate first step. The Minister also called for introducing a security deposit system under the prepaid electricity metering programme, a measure aimed at improving revenue collection and financial discipline within the sector.

Stressing that electricity is a critical driver of economic growth, Khattar encouraged the department to place greater emphasis on solar energy generation as part of its long-term planning. He further noted that discussions would be taken up in New Delhi with Mizoram's Power and Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana regarding proposals to establish hydroelectric power projects on the Tlawng, Tuivai, and Chhimtuipui rivers.

Smart Meter Progress Under RDSS

The review meeting assessed the current status of smart meter deployment in Mizoram. According to officials present, smart meter installation has reached 18.01 per cent of the targeted coverage. Out of a total target of 2,92,081 smart meters, 52,886 units have been installed so far. Efforts are ongoing under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to strengthen the state's power distribution grid.

The Power and Electricity Department has also initiated the transition of electricity consumers to a prepaid metering system, beginning with departmental offices. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the programme has been finalised, and all early adopters of the prepaid system will be eligible for a two per cent rebate.

Swachh Bharat Mission and Urban Development

Following interactions with ministers and officials from the Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) department, Khattar addressed the media, noting that the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has completed 10 years and that Mizoram has progressed beyond Open Defecation Free (ODF) status to achieve ODF+ status. He said discussions were held on further strengthening solid waste management systems, and assured continued Central government support for urban cleanliness, waste segregation, sanitation, and hygiene.

Other High-Level Meetings

On the sidelines of his Mizoram visit, the Union Minister separately met Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh and Chief Minister Lalduhoma, with discussions covering various contemporary issues. The review meeting was also attended by Mizoram's Minister for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, K. Sapdanga, and Power and Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana, along with senior officials from both departments.

With hydropower proposals on three rivers under active discussion and smart meter coverage still below one-fifth of its target, the pace of implementation in the coming months will be closely watched.