Several countries in Africa and the Middle East have sought India’s help in rural electrification drives. According to a report in Swarajya, these countries want India’s Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) to help them electrify their villages.
This has come in the wake of India recently achieving 100% rural electrification. On 28th April, the Leisang village in Manipur was brought in the National Power Grid Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojna. With electricity reaching Leisang, the target of 100% rural electrification was achieved by India. The REC is the nodal agency appointed for the execution of the scheme. The feat was achieved 12 days ahead of the set deadline.
Government Completes Electrification of 18,452 Villages, 17,181 Villages Electrified and 1,236 Villages are Uninhabited reports @ArunSharmaLive @MinOfPower @grameenvidyut pic.twitter.com/Pga7w2hROE
— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) April 28, 2018
According to the report, Middle Eastern countries Jordan and Syria have sought REC’s assistance. Syria, which has suffered extensive damage to its power infrastructure due to the long ongoing civil war, reportedly needs immediate help.
Countries of sub-Saharan Africa are reportedly seeking a complete electrification package, including financing and technology transfer.
Chairman and Managing Director of REC, PV Ramesh has reportedly stated that given their experience and expertise in the field, they are prepared to offer a range of services and financing for the developing power sector in other emerging economies. The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) reportedly has operations in countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic and Afganistan. Power secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has reportedly stated that India is willing to provide consultancy to those who seek assistance through the consulting arms of PGCIL and REC.
