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World Bank to lend $310 mn to improve Jharkhand’s power system

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New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) The Centre and the Jharkhand government on Tuesday signed a pact with the World Bank under which the multilateral agency will advance a loan of $310 million to boost the state’s power system, mainly transmission infrastructure.

“The Jharkhand Power System Improvement Project will help build new power transmission infrastructure as well as put in place systems to improve the technical efficiency and commercial performance of the state power sector utilities,” the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

The project, part of the central government’s ‘Power for All’ programme launched in 2014, will help bring in modern technology solutions such as automated sub-stations, network analysis and planning tools to provide reliable power supply, it said.

The deal was signed by Additional Secretary in the Union Finance Ministry Sameer Kumar Khare, Jharkhand Energy Department Secretary Vandana Dadel and World Bank India Country Director Junaid Ahmad.

Khare said the project would help meet Jharkhand’s energy needs for its economic growth as demand for reliable power is expected to almost double in coming years.

Ahmad said the project would help the state increase supply of reliable electricity to households, industries and businesses, and contribute to poverty alleviation and inclusive growth.

Currently, more than 80 per cent of the state’s population has access to electricity and the per capita power consumption in Jharkhand at 552 kWh at the end of financial year 2015-16 is roughly half of the national average, the statement said.

However, in recent years, the state has achieved lower supply deficits.

Some of the major components of the project include construction of new sub-stations and transmission lines, providing support to the Jharkhand Urja Sancharan Nigam Ltd (JUSNL) and helping integrate renewable energy in the state grid.

It will also support smart meters, with two-way communication and backend IT infrastructure, deployed in select urban towns. To begin with, the project will finance smart metering for around 350,000 consumers in the capital city Ranchi, the Ministry said.

The $310-million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 5-year grace period, and a final maturity of 25 years, it added.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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