Bhubaneswar:

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik has said that Odisha is investing significantly for improving power infrastructure to provide 24×7 quality power to all. The chief minister said this at an orientation programme organized here at Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday for the new recruits of OPTCL on virtual mode. As many as 60 Management Trainees and 175 Junior Technicians joined Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited today.

Welcoming the new comers to State Power PSU, the Chief Minister said that electricity being the prime mover of economy, our Government has given utmost thrust to building quality power infrastructure. For ensuring 24-7 quality and stable electricity supply to all, the Government has been investing significantly in power sector to enhance the generation capacity, strengthen the transmission and distribution infrastructure, and provide electricity to all. Our Government’s advance planning has brought the state from a power deficit to surplus situation, he added.

He further said that very recently, Rs 1800 crore has been sanctioned for construction of 99 numbers of 33 KV primary substations to strengthen the distribution network of the State. Appreciating the role of new entrants in OPTCL, he said, “All of you will be playing a critical role in this crucial sector to ensure that our farmers, entrepreneurs and small scale industries get quality and reliable power uninterruptedly.”

Stating that the Government is committed to creating employment opportunities for the youth of our State, he said that since 2010, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd has recruited more than 2000 young men & women.

He urged the new employees to follow and imbibe the 5T mantra of our Government in your daily assignment. The world is changing very fast due to technological transformations at an unprecedented pace. You must keep learning & keep yourself updated on the developments in your area of work, he added.

Highlighting the principles of State’s governance, he said that people are at the core of our governance. We need to serve them with dignity & professionalism.

Joining the programme from Kalahandi, Minister for Energy, Industry and MSMEi Dibya Sankar Mishra advised the new recruits to work hard for realizing chief minister’s dream of providing electricity to all including the people of remotest part of the State.

Chief Secretary Shri Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said that OPTCL has provided a robust transmission infrastructure in the state. He called upon the youngsters to remain committed, extremely vigilant while working in this excellent state PSU.

Taking part in an interaction during the programme, some participating new comers said that the recruitment process is one of the fastest recruitment processes in the country. The process has entirely been on merit and utmost transparency. They thanked the Chief Minister for this efficient recruitment mechanism.

Secretary to CM (5-T) V.K. Pandian moderated the programme.

Principal secretary energy Nikunja Bihari Dhal gave the welcome address and Director (Operation) OPTCL offered the vote of thanks.