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GUIDELINES

DEENDAYAL UPADHYAYA GRAM JYOTI YOJANA (DDUGJY)

^{_{Approved by Monitoring Committee}}

Nodal Agency

Chapter I - DEENDAYAL UPADHYAYA GRAM JYOTI YOJANA (DDUGJY)

1. Background:

1.1        In rural areas of the country, the agricultural and non-agricultural load (domestic and non-domestic) are typically catered through common distribution network. The availability of power supply in rural areas is inadequate and unreliable in many parts of the country. The distribution utilities resort to frequent load shedding in rural areas to mitigate the gap between supply and demand, which affects power supply to agricultural consumers as well as non-agricultural consumers owing to common distribution network.

1.2        Feeder separation refers to supply of electricity to agricultural consumers and to non-agricultural consumers (domestic and non-domestic) separately through dedicated feeders. This arrangement allows the distribution company to regulate power supply to agricultural consumers as and when needed for effective Demand Side Management (DSM). The separation of feeders helps in flattening of the load curve by shifting the agricultural load to off-peak hours and thus facilitates peak load management. The core objective of separation of feeders is to provide regulated supply to agricultural consumers and continuous power supply to non-agricultural consumers in rural areas.

1.3        The demand of electricity in rural areas is increasing day by day due to increase in customer base, changes in lifestyle and consumption pattern which requires continual strengthening and augmentation of distribution network. However, the poor financial health of the distribution utilities has resulted in under-investment in the distribution network leading to poor upkeep and maintenance of assets, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, strengthening and augmentation of sub-transmission & distribution infrastructure is also considered necessary to ensure reliable and quality power supply in rural areas.

1.4        In order to facilitate sustainable commercial operations of electricity distribution, it is also important to focus on metering at consumer end for all categories of consumers. Apart from metering at consumer end, the metering arrangement at distribution transformers and feeders would facilitate building up a mechanism for proper energy accounting. This will help in identifying high loss pockets and initiating remedial measures towards reduction of losses.

2.                   Approval of the scheme

2.1        Govt. of India has launched Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) for the rural areas with the following components:

(i)      Separation of agriculture and non-agriculture feeders facilitating judicious rostering of supply to agricultural & non- agricultural consumers in the rural areas;

(ii)     Strengthening and augmentation of sub-transmission & distribution (ST&D) infrastructure in rural areas, including metering at distribution transformers, feeders and consumers end;

(iii)    Rural electrification, as per CCEA approval dated 01.08.2013 for completion of the targets laid down under RGGVY for 12th and 13th Plans by subsuming RGGVY in DDUGJY and carrying forward the approved outlay for RGGVY to DDUGJY;

2.2        The approval has been accorded for components (i) and (ii) above having scheme cost of Rs. 43033 crore including a budgetary support of Rs. 33453 crore from Government of India during the entire implementation period (balance period of 12th & 13th Plan).

2.3        The existing programme of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) as approved by CCEA for continuation in 12th and 13th Plans will get subsumed in this scheme as a separate rural electrification component [component (iii) above] for which CCEA has already approved the scheme cost of Rs. 39275 crore including a budgetary support of Rs. 35447 crore. This outlay will be carried forward to the new scheme of DDUGJY in addition to the outlay indicated in Para 2.2 above.

2.4        Office Memorandum F.No. 44/44/2014-RE dated 3rd December 2014 issued by the Ministry of Power in respect of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) is enclosed as Annexure-I.

1. These guidelines shall be applicable for the components (i) & (ii) above of the scheme viz. feeder separation and augmentation of distribution infrastructure including metering in rural areas and any new project sanctioned under Rural Electrification component. The existing operational Guidelines/ Standard documents/ procedures of RGGVY shall continue to prevail for implementation of already sanctioned RE projects.

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Chapter II      Project Formulation and Implementation

1. Project formulation:

Project formulation under the scheme will be a two stage process as explained below:

(i)   1st Stage: The utilities will identify need for feeder separation and critical gaps in sub-transmission and distribution network considering all relevant parameters such as consumer mix, consumption pattern, voltage regulation, AT&C loss level, HT & LT ratio, optimum loading of transformers & feeders / lines, reactive power management, power factor improvement, standard of performance etc. and on- going works under other schemes for efficient management of distribution system. Based on the assessment, utilities will prioritize scope of work to ensure

(i)     24x7 power supply for non-agricultural consumers and adequate power supply for agricultural consumers, (ii) reduction of AT&C losses as per trajectory (discom-wise) finalized by the Ministry of Power in consultation with States  and

(iii) providing access to all rural households. The utility / state shall ensure availability of power to achieve the target of 24x7 power supply for non- agricultural consumers, progressively in rural areas. The utilities shall prepare a Need Assessment Document (NAD), in prescribed format (being circulated by nodal agency separately), containing all relevant information along with justifications (preferably by way of load flow studies) to substantiate the proposed scope of work and cost estimates. The NAD will be examined by the nodal agency to arrive at broad scope of work to be covered under the scheme and the total cost in consultation with the concerned utilities.

(ii)           2nd Stage: Based on the broad scope of work validated by nodal agency at 1st Stage, the utilities will formulate district/circle/zone wise bankable Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) based on detailed field survey and latest approved schedule of rates for various items of work. The Nodal Agency will separately provide comparable costs sourced from CPSUs for major equipment for reference of the utility. These reference rates shall be used as ceiling rates for sanctioning of the projects. Grant shall be extended on the sanctioned cost or award cost of the project, whichever is lower. The works in Gram Panchayat selected under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) shall necessary be included in the DPR. While formulating DPRs, utility shall necessarily consult the public representatives including Member of Parliament. Utility shall furnish a certificate to this effect while submitting DPRs to Nodal Agency.

1. Scope of Works: The projects under the scheme shall be formulated for rural areas only and will cover works relating to:

(i)   Separation of agriculture and non-agriculture feeders facilitating judicious rostering of supply to agricultural & non- agricultural consumers in the rural areas;

(ii)   Strengthening and augmentation of sub-transmission & distribution (ST&D) infrastructure in rural areas, including metering at distribution transformers, feeders and consumers end;

The details of works covered under the scheme are as under:

i.                      Feeder Separation

(i)     Physical  separation  of   HT  feeders  for    Agricultural  and  non-Agricultural consumers:

1. Erection of HT lines for drawing new feeders and reorientation/re-alignment of existing lines.
2. Installation of new distribution transformers and augmentation of existing distribution transformers.
3. Re-location of distribution transformers and associated LT lines for re- grouping of consumers (Agricultural and Non-Agricultural).

(ii)      Virtual separation of feeders :

1. Installation of new distribution transformers and augmentation of existing distribution transformers.
2. Re-location of distribution transformers and associated LT lines for re- grouping of consumers (Agricultural and Non-Agricultural).
3. Installation of rotary switch and associated hardware at sub-stations.

Feeders already segregated by the utilities shall not be eligible to be covered under this scheme. However, the feeders segregated by virtual means could be considered for undertaking physical separation under the scheme.

ii.                      Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution system

(i)      Creation of new sub stations along with associated 66 KV / 33 KV/ 22 KV/ 11 KV lines.

(ii)     Augmentation of existing sub-stations capacity by installation of higher capacity/additional power transformer along with associated equipment/ switchgear etc.

(iii)    Erection of HT lines for reorientation/re-alignment including augmentation of existing lines.

(iv)   Installation of new distribution transformers and augmentation of existing distribution transformers along with associated LT lines.

(v)    Installation of capacitors.

(vi)   Renovation and Modernization of existing sub-stations and lines.

(vii)  High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS).

(viii) Arial Bunched Cable for theft prone areas.

1. Micro-grid and off-grid distribution network.

iv.                       Metering

The installation of meters at sub-stations, feeders, distribution transformers and consumers is important to ensure seamless accounting and auditing of energy at all levels in the distribution system. Accordingly, metering of all feeders and distribution transformers including metering at all input points to the utility shall be ensured under this scheme.  The metering component under the scheme shall cover the following:

(i)     Installation of suitable static meters for feeders, distribution transformers and all categories of consumers for un-metered connections, replacement of faulty meters & electro-mechanical meters.

(ii)    Installation of Pillar Box for relocation of meters outside the premises of consumers including  associated service cables and accessories

v.                      Works not eligible under the scheme

The following works/ items shall not be eligible for coverage under DDUGJY scheme:

(i)      Works already sanctioned under other schemes of Government of India (RGGVY, NEF, R-APDRP etc.). The projects for which any other grant / subsidy from Government of India has already been received / proposed to be received shall not be eligible under this scheme.

(ii)     Service lines to APL consumers.

(iii)    Under-ground cable works.

(iv)   Cost of land for sub-stations.

(v)    Civil works other than sub-stations.

(vi)   Compensation towards right of way.

(vii)  Distribution automation and IT applications.

(viii) Office equipment / fixtures.

(ix)   Spares (other than mandatory spares).

(x)    Tools and Plants (T&P).

(xi)   Vehicles.

(xii)  AMR / AMI, Prepaid meters and Smart Meters.

(xiii) Salaries and Establishment Expenditure.

1. Eligible entities: All Discoms including private sector Discoms and State Power Departments (referred to as Utilities) will be eligible for financial assistance under the scheme. In case of private sector Discoms where the distribution of power supply in rural areas is with them, projects under the scheme will be implemented through a concerned State Government Agency and the assets to be created under the scheme will be owned by the State Government / State owned companies. These assets will be handed over to the concerned Utility for their use during the license period on

mutually agreed terms and conditions. The responsibility of operation and maintenance of these assets would be of the concerned Utility. The areas under franchisee shall be covered under the scheme subject to compliance with the terms & conditions of their respective agreements. Rural Electric (RE) Cooperative Societies shall also be eligible, but they would be required to submit Audited statements annually regarding the utilization under the approved project through the State Cooperative Department and the concerned Discom. Further, all the projects need to be recommended by the State Level Standing Committee.

1. Submission and approval of DPRs: The district/circle/zone wise DPRs shall be prepared by the utility and recommended by State Level Standing Committee (SLSC) headed by Chief Secretary of the State. The utility shall submit the DPR to the Nodal Agency online through web portal. One hard copy of the DPR (as printed out from web portal), duly recommended by the SLSC shall be submitted by the utility to the Nodal Agency for record and reference. The eligible projects (DPR) will be approved by the Monitoring Committee.
2. DPR for NOFN component: Government of India has already approved the setting up of National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) to provide connectivity to 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats spread over 6,600 Blocks and 641 Districts of the country, which would ensure broadband connectivity with adequate bandwidth. The existing optical fiber will be extended up to the Gram Panchayats. The Programme is being implemented through Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which is a Special Purpose Vehicle set up by Government of India with the mandate to create the National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) in India.

The DDUGJY scheme envisages to connect all the 33 KV or 66 KV grid sub stations/ billing offices / Regional / Circle / Zonal offices of utilities by extending optic fiber network being established under NOFN. Provision of 100% grant has been made under the scheme for connecting the missing links of NOFN including terminal equipment provided such connectivity has not been included / approved under any other scheme of Government of India / State Governments. A declaration of the state regarding coverage of optic fibre missing links as per the provision of the scheme shall form a part of tripartite/ bipartite agreement to be executed with state.

A separate and consolidated DPR shall be prepared by the respective utility in consultation with BBNL or any designated agency like BSNL, RailTel, PGCIL etc. for the NOFN programme in the state. The DPR shall include the proposed implementation methodology and milestones along with the cost. DPRs recommended by the SLSC shall be submitted to the Nodal Agency.

1. Eligible Cost for determining grant: The project cost approved by the Monitoring Committee or Award cost of the project (including price variation, if any), whichever is less, shall be the eligible cost for determining the Grant (including additional grant) under the scheme. However any cost overrun after approval of the project (by Monitoring Committee) due to any reason whatsoever shall not be eligible for any grant and shall be borne by the utility / respective State Government.

Nodal agency, based on the request of the utility, can also consider endorsing any increase in the approved project cost based on award to facilitate the utility to tie up

the required debt against the project. However, the grant portion from Government of India shall be limited to the project cost approved by the Monitoring Committee. Nodal agency will compile all such cases and periodically submit the same for information of the Monitoring Committee.

1. Tripartite/ Bipartite agreement: A Tripartite agreement will be executed between REC as the Nodal Agency on behalf of Ministry of Power, the State Government and the Utility for undertaking and agreeing to their stipulated roles/responsibilities as per provisions of the scheme guidelines. Bipartite agreement will be executed in case of State Power Departments.
2. Mode of Implementation: The projects shall be implemented on turn-key basis. The turnkey contract shall be awarded by the concerned utilities through e-tendering in accordance with the prescribed Procurement Policy, Standard Bidding Document and Technical Specifications being circulated separately by the nodal agency. The projects have to be awarded within six months of date of communication of the approval by the Monitoring committee. However, in exceptional circumstances, execution on partial turnkey/departmental basis shall be permitted with the approval of the Monitoring Committee.
3. Implementation Period: Projects under the scheme shall be completed within a period of 24 months from the date of issue of Letter of Award (LoA) by the utility, in case of turnkey implementation. For execution on partial turnkey/departmental basis, approved by the monitoring Committee, project needs to be completed within 30 months (24 months for implementation and 6 months for placement of awards for supply and services i.e. erection) from date of communication of the approval of the Monitoring committee. In case the utilities are not able to complete the projects within stipulated time period due to circumstances beyond their control, the Monitoring Committee is authorized to grant time extension based on merits in exceptional cases on a case to case basis.

In either mode of implementation (turnkey/partial turnkey/departmental), the maximum time limit for completion of the project viz award and implementation shall not be beyond thirty months from date of communication of the approval of the Monitoring committee. However, the upper limit for completion of award shall be nine months as defined in Chapter IV Funding mechanism, under para 6 i.e pre closure/recall of grant.

1. Dedicated team for implementation of projects: Utility shall create a dedicated team for implementation of projects at district and Utility/State level including necessary manpower and requisite infrastructure like office, logistics etc. to ensure smooth implementation, monitoring and to redress grievance of public and public representatives of the project areas. The details of the dedicated team shall be mentioned in the DPR. An officer of the rank of Chief Engineer/General Manager or above, will be designated as Nodal Officer from the dedicated team at utility/ state level. The Nodal Officer shall be responsible for implementation of scheme in accordance with the prescribed guidelines, providing all necessary information including physical & financial progress related to the projects, arrange to get relevant

orders/clearances from the State Government, enhance level of awareness and redress grievances of public & public representatives in the project areas.

1. Project Management Agency (PMA): An appropriate Project Management Agency (PMA) shall be appointed preferably utility-wise to assist them in project management ensuring timely implementation of the project. 100% grant will be provided by Government of India towards expenditure incurred on Project Management Agency (PMA) as per provision in the scheme i.e. up to 0.5% of cost of works. The utility has to bear any cost beyond 0.5% of the project cost, if any, from own resources for deployment of PMA. Utility can select any PMA from CPSUs or through open bidding as per their policy/guidelines. The separate Guidelines specifying duties, responsibilities and disbursement conditions for of their fees & other aspects shall be circulated separately.

The utility may deploy the same agency as PMA for DDUGJY & IPDS for better coordination, operational efficiency and cost optimization.

1. Rural Electrification Data Hub: A Rural Electrification (RE) data hub shall be created at REC. This data hub shall primarily be a nodal information centre for data and information related to rural power distribution systems and will broadly collate the state wise updated status of rural electrification in the country. This will be subsequently uplinked in a seamless manner with the National Power Data Hub in CEA. Modalities and guidelines for implementation of the data hub shall be worked out by REC separately, in consultation with CEA, and shall be put up to monitoring committee for approval.

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Chapter III  -     Stakeholders of the scheme- Roles and responsibilities

1. Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) shall be the Nodal Agency for operationalization and implementation of the scheme under the overall guidance of MoP. The Nodal Agency will be paid 0.5% of the project cost approved by Monitoring Committee or award cost, whichever is lower, as their fee. The role of the Nodal agency is as below:

(i)     Notify all the guidelines and formats required for implementation of the project from time to time.

(ii)    Appraise the DPRs before putting up to the Monitoring Committee.

(iii)  Conduct all works relating to holding of the Monitoring Committee meetings for approvals.

(iv)  Administer the Grant Component.

(v)    Develop a dedicated web portal for submission of DPRs and for maintaining the MIS of the projects.

(vi)  Monitor physical and financial progress of the projects including quality of works.

Nodal agency shall deploy Third Party services of outside agencies/manpower for concurrent evaluation of project implementation.

1. State Level Standing Committee: The Projects shall be recommended by existing State Level Standing Committee (SLSC) constituted for RGGVY projects under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary before submitting the projects to the Nodal Agency. The roles and responsibilities of State Level Committee shall be as follows:

(i)      Recommending DPRs (including DPRs for NOFN component) for approval of monitoring committee after vetting the physical works covered under the project and ensuring adequacy of upstream network, commensurate with the proposed distribution network and availability of adequate power supply to cater to the load demand of the project area.

(ii)     Ensuring that there is no duplication / overlapping of works with any other Government of India scheme like RGGVY, NEF etc.

(iii)    Monitoring progress, quality control and resolve issues relating to implementation of sanctioned projects viz. allocation of land for sub stations, right of way, forest clearance, railway clearance, safety clearance etc.

1. Monitoring Committee: The Office memorandum issued in this regard is enclosed as Annexure II. The Committee will be empowered to:

(i)      Approve operational guidelines including scope of work and to take necessary policy decisions for operationalization of various components of scheme and amendments thereof within the framework approved by CCEA.

(ii)     Sanction of DPRs/Projects, monitoring and review of implementation of the scheme.

(iii)    Grant extension of time for project execution due to circumstances beyond control based on merit in exceptional cases, on a case to case basis, provided there is no cost overrun.

(iv)   Approve additional grant to states on achievement of specified outcomes.

(v)    Exercise powers vested with the Monitoring Committee constituted in terms of OM No. 44/10/2011-RE (Vol.III) dated 12th September 2013, in respect of issues pertaining to the implementation of erstwhile RGGVY scheme.

1. Utility (Discom/Power Department): The Utility shall be responsible for the following functions:

(i)      Preparation of NAD/DPRs and online submission of DPRs duly recommended by the State Level Standing Committee (SLSC) to the Nodal Agency.

(ii)     Implementation of the scheme within the scheduled completion period as per guidelines.

(iii)    Appointment of Project Management Agency (PMA).

(iv)   Establishment of a dedicated project implementation cell at district level and a centralized cell at Head office level.

(v)    Submission of updated progress of the project to the Nodal Agency including its periodic updation on the web portal.

(vi)   To ensure availability of power to achieve target of 24x7 power supply for rural non-agricultural consumers, progressively and adequate power supply for agricultural consumers.

(vii)  Any other related information to the Nodal Agency to be provided, as and when required.

5.                          State Government

(i)      To extend the role of the existing SLSC for RGGVY projects to empower the committee for recommendation of projects under DDUGJY.

(ii)     To make upfront payment of revenue subsidy to the utility.

(iii)    To provide support on policy issues on distribution of power in the state.

(iv)   To provide required land for sub stations and facilitate in obtaining other statutory clearances (ROW, forest etc.).

(v)    To ensure implementation of NOFN component.

(vi)   To arrange for Utility contribution (10% or 5% as the case may be) in case utility fails to arrange the same.

(vii)  To furnish guarantee for the loan component under the scheme in case the utility is not able to provide any other mode of security.

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Chapter IV - FUND DISBURSEMENT GUIDELINES

1. Funding Mechanism

1.1    The states have been categorized in two groups (i) Special Category States (All North Eastern States including Sikkim, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) and

(ii) Other than Special Category States (all other States).

1.2    The financial support under the scheme shall be as under:

Minimum contribution by Utility(s) shall be 10% (5% in case of Special Category States). However, Utility(s) contribution can go up to 40% (15% in case of Special Category States), if they do not intend to avail loan. In case the Utility(s) do not avail loan, the maximum eligible additional grant would still be 15% (5% in case of Special Category States) on achievement of prescribed milestones. The loan component would be provided by REC or by other FIs/Banks.

1.3    The grant support from budget of Ministry of Power shall be as follows:

1.4    Additional grant (50% of loan component i.e. 5% for special category states and 15% for other states) under the scheme will be released subject to achievement of following milestones:

(i)      Timely completion of the scheme as per laid down milestones.

(ii)     Reduction in AT&C losses as per trajectory finalized by MoP in consultation with State Governments (Discom-wise)

(iii)    Upfront release of admissible revenue subsidy by State Govt. based on metered consumption.

1.5   At the time of seeking additional grant, Utilities are required to submit claims duly verified by the head of the utility regarding achievement of milestones mentioned under 1.4 above.

2.         Flow of Funds

2.1  REC shall submit proposal to Ministry of Power for release of funds for further release to Utility when all the formalities for release to utilities are completed to ensure minimum time gap between receipt of funds by REC from Ministry of Power and release to utilities by REC.

2.2  On request from REC, and after satisfying that the conditions specified for release of particular installment have been complied with, Ministry of Power shall release fund against that particular installment directly to REC’s dedicated bank account.

2.3  Release by REC

2.3.1                On request from Utilities, REC shall release funds to the dedicated bank accounts of utilities.

2.3.2                In order to receive fund under DDUGJY each utility shall open a separate dedicated bank account in a nationalized bank having e-banking facility. The nature of the account shall be current account with CLTD (Corporate Liquid Term Deposit) facility.

2.3.3               Eligible fund for execution of the project shall be released to this dedicated account and all due payments related to execution of project(s) shall be made by Utilities from this account. Utilities shall maintain books of accounts both for receipt of fund from REC and release to Contractors for each of the project.

2.3.4               The project cost approved by the Monitoring Committee or Award cost of the project (including price variation, if any), whichever is less, shall be the eligible cost for determining the Grant (including additional grant) under the

Scheme. However any cost overrun after approval of the project (by Monitoring Committee) due to any reason whatsoever shall not be eligible for any grant and shall be borne by the utility/respective State Government.

2.4     Mechanism for release of grants and fee to Nodal Agency (REC)

2.4.1                Release of 10% of eligible Grant component (1st tranche) on achievement of following:

(i)           Approval of the project by the Monitoring Committee

(ii)          Execution of tripartite/bipartite agreement

(iii)         Appointment of Project Management Agency (PMA) by the Utility

2.4.2               Release of 20% of eligible grant component (2nd tranche) on achievement on of following:

(i)         Placement of Award

(ii)        Updating of web portal regarding award details

In case of the award cost is lower vis-à-vis the approved project cost, 2nd tranche shall be suitably adjusted.

2.4.3               Release of 60% of eligible grant component (3rd tranche) on submission of following:

(i)         Certificate from utility regarding utilization of 90% of grant released under 1st & 2nd tranche

(ii)        Receipt of 100% of utility contribution (10% of approved project cost for other than special category states and 5% of the approved project cost for special category states)

(iii)       Financial sanction of lenders (FIs/Banks) for 30% of approved project cost (10% in case of special category) in case utility needs to avail loan for the project

(iv)      Recommendation of PMA supported by a report on expenditure, progress and constrains for timely completion of project

2.4.4               Release of 10% of eligible grant component (final tranche) on submission of following:

(i)         Project completion certificate, duly recommended by the Head of the Utility, in the stipulated format.

(ii)        PMA report regarding Project completion and expenditure incurred along with recommendations regarding achievement of stipulated objectives in accordance with the guidelines.

2.4.5               In case of timely completion of the project, utilities shall submit all the documents and information in the prescribed format for availing additional grant as per the guidelines.

1. Nodal Agency, REC shall be eligible for 0.5% of the project costs approved by Monitoring Committee or award cost whichever is lower as its fee, which shall be claimed as below:

(i)         1st installment: 40% of the nodal agency fee (i.e. 40% of 0.5% of approved project cost) in the financial years in which the projects are approved by the Monitoring Committee under DDUGJY.

(ii)        2nd installment: 30% of the nodal agency fee (i.e. 30% of 0.5% of approved project cost) on award of approved projects.

(iii)       3rd installment: 20% of the nodal agency fee (i.e. 20% of 0.5% of approved project cost) after one year of claiming 2nd installment.

(iv)      4th installment: 10% of the nodal agency fee (i.e. 10% of 0.5% of approved project cost) after completion of works.

4.         Inter Project Utilization

4.1    In the event the funds earmarked for a particular sanctioned project (say project A) is not expended for valid reasons, the Utility can be allowed to utilize such earmarked funds for other projects (s) (say project B) of the same scheme subject to following:

4.1.1               The fund so diverted from project ‘A’ together with the amount released for project ‘B’ in the normal course shall at no time exceed sanctioned cost of project ‘B’.

4.1.2               Such diversion will be treated as part of next installment due in respect of project ‘B’ to which the fund are getting diverted to. All conditions relating to compliance of physical and expenditure target laid down for the next installment due in respect of project ‘B’ shall also be applicable to such diverted amount of funds from project ‘A’ as if, it will be treated as release of further installment to project ‘B’.

4.1.3               The fund so swapped (fully or partially) shall be regularized on receipt of regular installment from REC.

5.         Fund Management by REC

5.1    REC shall adopt Corporate Internet Banking (CINB) as per prevailing REC practice and all payments shall be made directly to the Utility’s dedicated bank account.

5.2    Interest earned on unutilized fund under DDUGJY shall be remitted to Ministry of Power's account on regular basis and at least once in a quarter.

6.         Fund Management by Utility

6.1    Utility shall adopt CINB. All project related payments to the contractors (and others) by Utility shall be done directly from the dedicated bank account and in no case, Utility shall open any other bank account(s) under DDUGJY. REC shall have the view right of Utility account.

6.2    All payment (to contractors & others) shall be made directly from the dedicated bank account as per the established procedure through e-banking only.

6.3    Any interest earned on DDUGJY capital subsidy/grant shall be remitted to Ministry of Power’s bank account on regular basis and at least once in a quarter.

6.4    Since capital subsidy/grant under DDUGJY is Govt. of India money and Utilities are only the custodian of that fund, the Utilities shall take necessary steps to seek exemption from Income Tax Department regarding deduction of Tax at Source by the bank on interest accrued on un-utilized fund under DDUGJY. However, in case of deduction of TDS by bank, the Utilities shall claim refund of the deducted amount from Income Tax Department directly while filing annual tax return and remit it to Ministry of Power’s account.

6.5    The Utility shall ensure that funds released under DDUGJY is utilized for the purpose for which it is released and will not be diverted for any other purposes other than DDUGJY whatsoever. In case of any breach or deviation further release of funds shall be stopped.

6.6    The Utility shall ensure that DDUGJY fund shall not be invested in any other bank/branch, whether for short term or medium term, including fixed deposits.

7.         Utilization Certificate

Utility shall submit utilization certificates (UC) for the funds released during the financial year and the utilization thereof in prescribed format, latest by 30th April of succeeding year. Release of further fund to the utilities will be subject to submission of UC in the prescribed format. The UC shall provide the physical progress/achievements also apart from financial utilization.

8.         Auditing

8.1    The Utility will ensure auditing of DDUGJY accounts relating to receipts of funds from REC and expenditure incurred by the Utility against such receipts during the F.Y. by independent Chartered Accountant and furnish a report to REC latest by 30th June of succeeding year. REC shall consider release of further funds on the receipt of audited report and certificate from Charter Accountant.

8.2    In addition to above, the works and any other aspects like quality, quantity, financial etc. under DDUGJY would be open to audit by the office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India (C&AG) as well as Internal Audit Wing

, Office of Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Power.

9.         Monitoring of Programme

9.1    The requisite details of project(s) as prescribed by the REC from time to time shall be entered by the Utility in relevant module of DDUGJY portal.

9.2    It shall be the responsibility of the Utility to ensure placement of all Master Data for the constant updating and accuracy of data relating to the progress of DDUGJY works, record of Quality control tests as well as the payments made.

9.3    Fund releases to Utility would be affected in case of failure in updation of data on web portal.

10.   Public Financial Management System (PFMS)

10.1    DDUGJY being a Government of India program, the release from nodal agency (REC) to utilities shall be done through PFMS and utilities shall be using PFMS for funds flows under the scheme.

10.2    The Utilities shall mandatorily enter details like receipts, expenditures, etc in PFMS portal. In case of non entering desired details in PFMS portal, banks may not consider release of funds to Contractors.

10.3    Utilities receiving funds under DDUGJY are to be registered / mapped in PFMS. REC/Programme Division of Ministry of Power may ensure that all utilities to whom funds are to be released are properly registered/mapped in PFMS.

10.4    REC/Utilities shall submit status of unspent Capital subsidy/grant lying with them to Ministry of Power on quarterly basis.

11.   Quality Assurance and Evaluation Mechanism

11.1    The utility shall be solely responsible & accountable for assuring quality in DDUGJY works. Accordingly, utility shall formulate a comprehensive Quality

Assurance (QA) and Inspection Plan with an objective to build Quality Infrastructure under DDUGJY works. The QA and Inspection Plan shall be an integral Part of the contract agreement with turnkey contractor or equipment supplier/vendor and erection agency as the case may be in case of partial turnkey and departmental execution of works. Documentation with regard to Quality Assurance & Inspection Plan shall be maintained by utility and kept in proper order for scrutiny during the course of project execution and for future reference. The Utility has to ensure that the quality of material/equipment supplied at site and field execution of works under the project is in accordance with Quality Assurance & Inspection Plan. The implementation of the scheme in the particular district shall be reviewed periodically during meeting of District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee

11.2    Nodal Agency (REC) shall also formulate an appropriate mechanism for third party evaluation, both concurrent and post implementation of the scheme. The nodal agency will appoint agency for carrying out inspection on sample basis. The expenditure on this account shall be met from MoP enabling charges under the scheme.

12.   Completion of works

A Project Completion Certificate shall be furnished by the utility, signed by Head of Discoms/Secretary (Power/Energy) in case of Power Departments, which shall contain the information regarding date of completion, details of major items of works approved and completed, justification for non-completion or shelving of nay project component, expenditure against the project with item wise breakup certified by a practicing Charted Accountant (CA) etc. The project completion certificate needs to be submitted to nodal agency regarding release of final tranche of grant component. A format of project completion certificate will be made available in the web portal for the scheme.

13.   Eligibility for release of final installment

The date of completion as mentioned in the project Completion Certificate shall be within the execution period of 24 months from date of award in case of turnkey execution, and 30 months from date of communication of sanction in case of partial turnkey/ departmental execution, or as extended by the Monitoring Committee to become qualified for the release of final tranche of 10%. The expenditure as per the Project Completion Certificate or award cost or the cost approved by the Monitoring Committee whichever is lower shall be considered as the final cost of the project for the release of the last installment of 10%, after adjusting any excess release made earlier (to limit the subsidy amount to 60% of the completed project cost).

14.   Release of additional grant

14.1    Additional grant (i.e. conversion of 50% of loan component i.e. 5% for special category States and 15% for other States) under the scheme will be released subject to all milestones mentioned below:

(i)      Timely completion of the scheme

Completion of project within approved time schedule.

(ii)    Reduction in AT&C losses as per trajectory finalized by MOP in consultation with State Governments (Discom-wise)

The trajectory finalized by MOP in consultation with State Governments (Discom- wise) is enclosed as Annexure-III. The actual AT&C loss figure of the utility shall be compared with the corresponding AT&C loss level as per the trajectory. The AT&C losses as determined by Power Finance Corporation (PFC) as per the formula of MoP (enclosed as Annexure – IV) shall be the source for examining the compliance of this condition.

(iii)   Upfront release of admissible revenue subsidy by State Govt. based on metered consumption

Presently, revenue subsidy due against subsidized consumers from the State Governments as per the tariff order is being calculated on the basis of estimation. Metering is a vital component in DDUGJY and utilities are expected to make provisions of providing meters at all level. The amount of subsidy due shall be calculated on the basis of metered consumption after the completion of work under the scheme.

Accordingly upfront release of subsidy based on metered consumption by the State Governments will be seen for compliance of this milestone. The amount of admissible revenue subsidy and the amount received upfront certified by the Head of the utility shall be submitted to the Nodal Agency for compliance.

14.2   The evaluation of criteria (ii) and (iii) will be done for three consecutive years starting from the year of award. The additional grant will be divided in three equal annual tranches corresponding to each year of evaluation (5% for other than special category States and 1.66% for Special category States). The utility will be eligible for each annual tranche only if both conditions of (ii) and (iii) are complied with for that year. Disbursement of eligible additional grant would be subject to completion of project within approved time schedule.

An example for calculating the eligibility of additional grant under varying scenarios is enclosed as Annexure-V.

15.   Pre Closure/Recall of Grant

15.1    In case the utility fails to submit the Project Completion Certificate within a period of one year from the approved project completion date (approved by Monitoring Committee), the Nodal Agency shall send a team suo moto to assess the woks and expenditure and submit its recommendation to the Monitoring Committee for closure and also refund of excess grant by utility if any released against the project.

15.2    In case the utility fails to award the project within nine months of release of first tranche of grant component viz. 10% the project will be deemed as closed/cancelled and the grant component released shall be refunded by the utility within three months.

15.3    In case the utility fails to refund the grant as in above cases, the Nodal Agency has the right to adjust the already released grant against future releases of grant pertaining to other approved projects under the scheme. If there are no such eligible future releases, the same shall be adjusted against the Central Plan Assistance for the State by Government of India.

16.   Supporting/Enabling activities of Ministry of Power

A provision of 0.5% of the total project cost has been kept for the supporting/enabling activities of Ministry of Power relating to implementation of the scheme, such as capacity building, creating awareness through workshops, seminars, interaction with stakeholders, program publicity and promotion, quality monitoring of works, third party evaluation, field inspections, evaluation studies, training, study tours, special audits etc.

17.   Miscellaneous

Ministry of Power/REC may, from time to time, issue such directions for compliances of Utilities as may be necessary for smooth implementation of the DDUGJY.

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Annexure-I

Annexure-II

Formula for AT&C loss in a Utility

The methodology for calculation of Aggregate Technical and Commercial Losses (AT&C loss) has been defined by PFC in the “Report on Performance of State Power Utilities” in consultation with MOP/CEA, and  is as below:

The AT&C losses represent the difference between energy available for sale (adjusted for transmission losses and trading in energy, Mkwh) and energy realized, Mkwh). Energy realized is the energy billed (adjusted for trading in energy, Mkwh) factored by the collection efficiency. The collection efficiency is an index of efficiency in realization of billings, current as also previous years and essentially focuses on the year-to-year movement of receivables. The same is defined in table below: