Centre draws an ambitious plan of providing power to all by 2018

The plan was discussed at a meeting called by the Energy Ministry here which was attended by most of the states. It was presided by union Power Minister Piyus Goel.

According to details available now, on Friday, there are one crore houses in the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh which have no power connection and have to be electrified by the end of December next year. "The task is not easy but can be achieved with the help of state governments", union minister has told the meeting.

This hope may not be belied. Two states, Bihar and Tripura, ruled by non-BJP parties have promised to electrify all the left-out homes before the stipulated time. The BJP-ruled 13 states are, therefore, likely to follow suit. With their full cooperation the task is likely to be achieved.

While Janata Dal(U)-heads the government in Bihar, the Communist Party of India (M) rules the north-eastern state of Tripura.

Uttar Pradesh, too has speeded up the rural electrification programme and is likely to meet the target. In addition it has promised to provide 24-hour power supply in all parts of the state by the end of next year.

The new government in Uttar Pradesh has offered incentives to those who are using Katia

or hook to electrify their houses. These illegal connections can be legalised at lower payments now.

Those who apply for one kilowatt energy load have to pay only Rs 50 per connection . Others who require meters of two kilowatt and above load have to shell out Rs 100. The scheme will end next month .

This may help the state further in achieving the target. The illegal connection holders are likely to come on board also because of a new provision of five year jail-term in the amended state Electricity Act.