Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal conducted a comprehensive review of Jharkhand's power sector and urban development schemes in Ranchi on June 19, 2026. The meeting was attended by Jharkhand's Minister of Urban Development and Housing Department Shri Sudivya Kumar along with senior state government officials, central ministry officials, and Power Sector CPSE representatives.
The review focused critically on the operational and financial performance of Jharkhand's DISCOMs, highlighting concerning metrics including high AT&C losses and significant ACS-ARR gaps. The Union Minister urged the state to develop a detailed action plan to bring these parameters to sustainable levels through concerted efforts. Specific directives included restructuring the debt liabilities of state DISCOMs and ensuring timely clearance of outstanding government department dues.
A robust mechanism for regular settlement of dues was mandated, with particular emphasis on converting government consumer meters to prepaid systems by August 31, 2026. The state was also directed to saturate smart meter installation for high-load consumers (commercial and industrial categories) by the same deadline, while expediting installation for other consumer categories.
The review covered multiple central government schemes including the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), where resource adequacy and transmission infrastructure planning were discussed to meet future power demand. Progress was assessed for on-grid electrification of tribal households under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), with instructions to expedite implementation.
For renewable energy schemes, the state was urged to accelerate implementation and meet targets under both PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM. Priority was given to saturating rooftop solar installations on state government buildings to reduce financial burden through decreased grid power demand.
The Union Minister assured continued support from the Government of India for the state's overall development, while the Jharkhand Power Minister committed to taking all necessary measures for expeditious implementation of sanctioned works and improving overall power sector performance.