World Bank approves 2,000 cr for power reforms in Rajasthan

World Bank (WB) has approved USD 250 million (approx Rs 1,717 crore) for second programmatic electricity distribution reform in Rajasthan. The reforms will help accomplish objectifies of Government of India’s ‘power for all’ campaign that aims to provide 24 hours electricity supply to each household by 2019.

The world bank assistance is second of the two development policy loans that supports Rajasthan government’s effort towards the power for all campaign. Strengthening governance framework and financial structuring is one of the objectives of the policy loan along with improvement in operational performance.

The reforms have been introduced in Rajasthan with support of union government and World Bank keeping in mind the financial distress at electricity distribution companies (DISCOM). The world bank had approved of loan of an equal amount for the first phase in March last year as well.

According to the World Bank report, “The electricity sector in Rajasthan has expanded and improved over time, but was facing serious financial challenges during 2015 that threatened sustainability of the supply going forward.” Raed More