New Delhi THE government’s promise of another reform-linked mega-bailout for power distribution companies comes even though there is little evidence that such largesse prompts states to mend their ways and restructure the sector.

In July 2008, the Centre had launched the Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (R-APDRP) scheme to help states finance projects and reduce theft and other “commercial losses” that undermined the viability of the sector.