JHAKRI (HIMACHAL PRADESH): Free power supply to farmers is an obstacle to making the country self-reliant, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Saturday. He was dedicating the 1,500-MW Nathpa Jhakri power project to the nation here.

"Power is one of the main components required for the development of agriculture and horticulture in the States but it should be used judiciously." He laid emphasis on urgent reforms in the sector, especially in the State Electricity Boards (SEBs), which were headed for losses. "With these pilferages in SEBs, we would not meet our objectives."

Hinting at rapid economic reforms, the Prime Minister called upon the States to assist the Centre in the process of new economic revolution. He said Himachal Pradesh, with a potential of 20,000 MW of hydroelectric power, could help the country meet its overall requirements. With the increase in everyday demand, the State needed to produce more electricity and should meet its target of generating 10,000 MW in a few years.

The ever-increasing problem of power cut could be tackled with the States coming up with a network of governmental and non-governmental organisations. Under the United Progressive Alliance Government's Bharat Nirman project, electricity would be provided to all villages in the country in the next four years. Clean tap water, irrigation and road connectivity would also be provided soon, Dr. Singh said.

He expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of the Jhakri power project by the public sector Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam. "We have realised the dream of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by the completion of this ambitious infrastructural project." Rajiv Gandhi laid the foundation.

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