The prolonged dry spell hitting the entire State is also casting its shadow on power generation, as the production capacity of the hydro-electric stations of Assam is going down with every passing day. A tight situation is predicted in the coming days if the hydro power stations are not supported by heavy rainfall.

The State is seeking a Rs1,200-crore ADB loan for power sector reforms, which is a good development. Given the doldrums the power sector has been in for decades, substantial funds are a must for putting the ailing sector back on the rails. Earlier in 2005, the much-needed power sector reforms had started with an ADB loan of Rs 1,200 crore, and the reforms are said to be still in progress.

In appreciation of its achievements in the field of energy conservation, the Union Ministry of Power has awarded Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), the second prize of the National Energy Conservation Award for the year 2008 in the refineries sector, a press release informed here today.

The Association of Engineers, Assam State Electricity Board (AoE, ASEB) has vehemently opposed the decision of the State Government for handing over the urban distribution circles to the private sector under a franchisee programme.

AGARTALA, Oct 26

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that the investment climate in Assam witnessed a major change in the last few years and since 2006, the State Government received proposals for investments worth

The golden jubilee of the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) was a damp affair with little public participation. Not just the public, the celebrations failed to elicit an enthusiastic response from a majority of its employees. This is symbolic of the mess that the ASEB

After Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bijoy Krishna Handique, it was the turn of Chairman-Cum- Managing-Director (CMD) of Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Dr UD Choubey today, to allay apprehension over Assam Gas Cracker Project, assuring that it would be completed within the scheduled time. The project is moving very smoothly as per schedule and is expected to be completed within the stipulated time, said Dr Choubey, addressing a press conference here today.

The Centre has earmarked an amount of Rs 102.89 crore for Asom under the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) for the year 2008-09, with the major allocation made for buying tractors and irrigation.

The Asom Government claims from time to time that from 2001 onwards the fiscal reforms carried out in the State benefited the people to a large extent leading to rise in per capita income of the peopl