Power sector failure can halt industrial progress, warns PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday warned that poor performance of power sector could trip India's industrialisation drive, while asking states to ensure energy availability to the people at affordable rates.

"We need to do much more to generate and distribute more power, more efficiently. Everyone should get good quality power at affordable prices. I appeal to state governments to take this matter seriously as a weak power situation can become a handicap in industrialisation and job-creation," he said in his address to the nation on its 61st year of independence.

Pointing out that industrialisation and urbanisation will need high-grade infrastructure, the Prime Minister said much more is needed in this sector and will be done.
   
"Industrialisation and urbanisation will generate demand for first rate infrastructure. The expansion and modernization of our highways, roads, railways and airports is visible proof of our efforts to meet this demand. Much more is needed and will be done," he said.

Calling for a greater foresight in urban planning and development, Singh suggested that the country needed to have a more creative process of urbanisation, including adequately compensating those displaced and utilising urban space in an economical manner.
   
"Industrialisation would also mean urbanisation. As more and more people live in urban areas, we need to have a more creative process of urbanisation," the Prime Minister said.