Daijiworld Media Network – Jaipur

Jaipur, Apr 5: Rajasthan energy minister Heeralal Nagar on Friday clarified that the state government has no intention of privatizing the power sector, amid ongoing protests by electricity department employees and concerns regarding the future of the Chhabra Thermal Power Plant.

Speaking to reporters, Nagar said the state’s collaboration with NTPC and other central undertakings was aimed at meeting growing energy demands and improving financial management—not privatisation.

“All apprehensions regarding the service conditions of employees have been addressed,” he assured. “We have made it clear there will be no adverse impact on jobs, promotions or service benefits. CMDs of Discoms and Generation Corporations have been instructed to provide written assurances to the employees.”

On the Chhabra Thermal Power Plant's proposed 50:50 joint venture with NTPC, the Minister said the government has firmly stated that power should be produced at the current cost charged by RVUNL. “If electricity becomes costlier, the venture will be meaningless. We have told the company to keep operational costs unchanged,” he said.

He reiterated that only operational resources are being handed to NTPC, and no decision will be taken that leads to increased power tariffs.

Highlighting future plans, Nagar said the state is investing heavily in solar and renewable energy projects to lower electricity costs over the next two years. “Under the hybrid annuity model, we will supply cheap, locally generated solar energy which will benefit both consumers and Discoms,” he said.

This was the first time that the energy minister addressed the media in detail about the ongoing employee agitation and the Chhabra plant issue, aiming to dispel misinformation and reassure the workforce.