India decides to reform its largely state-controlled economy and allow foreign investment gradually. The country identifies power as a thrust area in the hitherto grossly neglected infrastructure sector. Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan reel under a power blackout. Low voltage problem looms over the region.
Industry puts losses at billions of rupees.
Evidently, a decade of reforms and liberalisation has not improved the dismal scenario, commissioning of new power plants notwithstanding. The resurgent economy's seemingly insatiable hunger for power strains the already fatigued electricity utilities. So much so that alternating spells of darkness and light become almost as frequent as day and night. I ndia's aspiration to emerge as an economic superpower in the 21st century, on the back of the infotech industry's global-scale success, suddenly seems laughable. The government is keen to defuse the crisis.