Power Bill, a challenge to federal system: Sarma

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, MAY 2. The `Electricity Bill 2000,' to be presented in Parliament by the Central Government is a challenge to the federal system promised by the Constitution, according to the Electricity Minister, Mr. S. Sarma.

Inaugurating a seminar on `Electricity Bill 2000,' organised jointly by the trade unions of the Kerala State Electricity Board on Tuesday, Mr. Sarma called for defeating the attempts being made by the Centre for making laws on electricity which belonged to the Concurrent List. He warned that the proposed Bill would help only in handing over the power sector to Indian and foreign monopolies.

The Minister said that the LDF Government was trying to implement policies related to people and warned that any attempt to thwart the Government policies would be defeated.

Mr. G. Karthikeyan, MLA, who participated in the discussion, declared that he and his party would oppose the Bill both within and outside Parliament. He also demanded that the power policy of the State Government should also be put up for discussion.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Regional
Previous : Implement Narendran panel report: LDF
Next     : Self-help groups aid in tackling poverty