Has the Dabhol Power Project imbroglio affected Maharashtras image as a haven for investors?
The Dabhol Power Project has affected our power requirements. Our plans were based on the availability of power from the project. Today, we are short by 3,800 mw (during peak hours). If Dabhol had worked well, we could have overcome the power shortage. But failure of Dabhol or our failure to handle the issue has affected us. To overcome the problem, we have signed eight MoUs with private companies, but we have to bear power shortage for another two years. The ministry has stopped free distribution of power to certain customers. There is talk of providing reservation for SC/ST in private sector. Will not such move drive away private investors? It’s a debatable issue. There has been resistance for providing reservation for SC/ST in the private sector, especially from private player industrialists. Till now, the government has not taken any decision on this. This issue requires some consideration. Based on industrialists’ and business houses’ views, we will take a decision on this. Whethe
