In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials on Friday to work towards ensuring the round-the-clock supply of electricity to all consumers.
At a meeting to review the power sector and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on it, a number of long-term reforms to enhance the sustainability, resilience and efficiency of the sector were also discussed, according to an official release.
Underlining the importance of the power sector in driving the economy of the country, Modi stressed the need for effective implementation of contracts to attract private investment during the meeting, which included Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Electricity, Skills and NRE R K Singh.
Measures to boost the competitiveness of distribution firms, including tariff rationalization and timely release of subsidies, along with improved governance, were also addressed, according to the report.
Later in a tweet, the prime minister said he discussed ways to further reforms in the power sector.
"The focus is on enhancing sustainability, resilience and improving efficiency," Modi said.
The statement said that the discussions included steps on business ease, the spread of renewables, flexibility in the supply of energy, the role of public-private partnerships and boosting investment in the power sector.
