3 senior officials move from industries to energy to ground RR MoUs
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Out of the Rs 35 lakh crore worth of MoUs signed during the Rising Rajasthan summit, the energy department alone accounts for Rs 28 lakh crore. The success of Rising Rajasthan depends on how much of these Rs 28 lakh crore worth of MoUs are converted into on-ground investments.
A significant portion of the Rs 28 lakh crore proposed projects comes from the renewable energy sector. The availability of land and power evacuation infrastructure is crucial to implementing these MoUs.
During his time in the industries department, principal secretary Ajitabh Sharma led the planning and execution of the Rising Rajasthan summit. As RIICO Chairman, he also introduced several policy changes for the allotment of land to MoU holders.
Having been involved from the beginning of the summit, Sharma has the advantage of experience. However, the energy sector presents a unique set of challenges that have resisted most planning efforts over the past decade.
Rescuing the power sector, now burdened with debts exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore, requires more than bureaucratic efforts. Political will is essential, but bureaucrats must initiate the process.
Alongside Sharma, Industries Commissioner Rohit Gupta has been appointed to lead the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation. Unlike in the past, he holds both the chairman and managing director positions, which is expected to expedite decision-making and project approvals.
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Sharma and Gupta, along with Saurabh Swami, who was the Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP) and is now a joint secretary in the energy department, worked closely to organise the Rising Rajasthan summit.
Whether they can maintain the same level of cohesion to convert the maximum possible MoUs into projects in the power sector remains to be seen. Ultimately, the success of the Rising Rajasthan summit hinges on the power sector MoUs.
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