Date:07/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/07/stories/2008050754660700.htm

Kerala

Balan seeks Sonia’s intervention

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Electricity Minister A.K. Balan has urged Congress president Sonia Gandhi to intervene to amend the Electricity Act, 2003 to “protect the interests of Kerala.”

The Minister recalled in a statement that the common minimum programme of the United Progressive Alliance government had promised review of the Act to protect the interests of the States. However, no steps were taken in that direction so far. So, Ms. Gandhi should intervene as the chairperson of the UPA.Mr. Balan said that the Central government was insisting on restructuring of the Kerala State Electricity Board before June 9 under the provisions of the Act.