New Minister of State (Independent charge) for Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Shri Vilas B. Muttemwar assumed office here today. Addressing media persons on the occasion Shri Muttemwar emphasized the importance of the non conventional sources of energy in supplementing the availability of electricity specially in rural and remote areas. In view of the great potential of the sector the government would give top priority to the development of the sector. As the cooperation of State Governments is vital for the success of the programmes of the Ministry, the Minister informed that a meeting of the State Energy Ministers will be held for better and more effective implementation of the Programmes. “Exploitation of the natural resources for obtaining energy from non-conventional sources is both challenging & interesting”, Shri Muttemwar observed.
The Minister emphasized that electrification of about 25000 villages, identified for efforts to electrify through non-conventional sources (NCES) would be a priority. He said about 1500 villages are receiving electricity from NCES and in 1500 more villages programmes are underway. Shri Muttemwar added that the utilization of non-conventional sources need to be converted into a Movement in the country’s interest.
Born on 22nd March 1949, Shri Muttemwar represents Nagpur constituency (Maharashtra) as Congress candidate. He was first elected MP in 1980 and subsequently in 1985, 1991, 1998, 1999 before his present election. Shri Muttemwar was Minister of State for Rural Areas and Employment and Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs during 1995-96.
(Release ID :1799)