National
Bill to amend Electricity Act tabled in Lok Sabha
New Delhi: Within days of cabinet approval, the government Friday tabled in the Lok Sabha amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003, designed to bring in the much needed second phase of reforms in the power sector.
The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2014 will promote competition, efficiency, and improvement in the supply of electricity in the country resulting in capacity addition and benefit to the consumers, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said while introducing the bill in the Lok Sabha.
The salient changes proposed are aimed at enhancing grid safety, unbundling the distribution sector, promoting renewable energy and tariff rationalization, the minister said.
Within a given area, multiple distribution companies would be licensed to operate and offer power to consumers.
“To achieve efficiency and for giving choice to consumers through competition, concept of multiple supply licensees is proposed by segregating the carriage from content in the distribution sector, while continuing with the carriage (distribution network) as a regulated activity,” the power minister said.
While there will be a government distributor to ensure that power is provided to financially weaker sections, competition and a private sector role is proposed through these changes.
Regarding grid security, the amendments envisage stiff enhanced penalties for violating directions of the state and regional load despatch centres.
The enquiry committee set up following the July 2012 grid collapse recommended putting in place zero tolerance systems for breaking grid discipline by overdrawing power.
To boost the renewable energy sector, the government proposes to bring in amendments to the act introducing stricter penalties for failing to meet renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets.
Under the RPO system, the state power distribution companies have to mandatorily purchase electricity generated through renewable energy sources during the year.
The proposed changes will also introduce the renewable generation obligation (RGO), which will make it compulsory for thermal power producers to generate electricity through renewables.
On rationalising tariffs, the bill envisages timely filing of tariff petitions by utilities and their disposal by the concerned regulator.
National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.