National level celebration of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas

Chandigarh, Aug 20 - Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda today, on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas, announced to implement a new scheme known as “Shiksha Deep” in the State.The Chief Minister, who was speaking at the national level celebrations of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas at Panchkula, near here today, said that under this scheme, LED solar lanterns would be provided to those girl students of each school in every village who would rank first in their respective classes of 5th, 8th,10th and 12th. During this year, the innovative scheme would benefit 19,000 girls and cost Rs three crore.The Chief Minister also urged the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, who was present on the occasion, to introduce a chapter on renewable energy in the syllabus of classes 6th to 8th so as to make the children aware of the significance of renewable energy from an early age. He added that we would not succeed unless we involve the children in a movement for such a vital cause. He also requested that a city of Haryana be included in the list of cities to be developed as Solar Cities in the country.The Chief Minister said that 30 MoUs have been signed with ten Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for generation of 697.8 MW of power with an investment of Rs. 3278 crores from 30 projects based on Biomass, Small Hydro and Wind Energy. The projects are under implementation and likely to be commissioned by mid 2009.While paying rich tributes to the former Prime Minister Late Mr Rajiv Gandhi, Mr Hooda said that the indebited nation was celebrating his 65th birthday as Akshya Urja Diwas. He urged the people to realise the dream of the departed leader who wanted india to be stronger and more prosperous.He stressed the need for generation of power through renewable sources of energy saying that the growing demand for power could not be met with coal or oil. Therefore, renewable energy was the only solution to the future needs. He said that the State Government would spend Rs 20 crore for promotion of renewable energy during the year 2008-09.The Chief Minister announced that all schools in Panchkula would remain closed tomorrow in view of large scale participation by school children in national level function of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas at Panchkula. While reminding Haryana’s significant role in green revolution which led to self sufficiency in foodgrains for the country, Mr Vilas Muttemwar hoped that the State would also lead in the area of renewable energy. If the country succeeds in enough generation of renewable energy, it would not have to beg power from other countries as was the case of foodgrains.Mr Vilas Muttemwar expressed his serious concern over shortage of power saying that 56 per cent people in the country were still without electricity. The reserves of coal and oil were depleting and the country has to purchase oil at a very heavy price. Therefore, it was high time to launch a mass movement to change the prevailing situation and further popularise renewable energy. The children could play a vital role in this drive by taking message to every home. He appreciated the efforts made by Haryana Government in promotion of renewable energy adding that Haryana has already won three National Awards in implementation of various schemes of renewable energy. Mr Vilas Muttemwar said that five years ago the Government had decided to celebrate Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas and national level functions had been organised at different places. He thanked the Chief Minister for offering to hold the function in Panchkula this year.Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Ms Selja complemented Mr Vilas Muttemwar for deciding to celebrate the birthday of Mr Rajiv Gandhi as Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas. She highlighted the significance of nuclear energy and added that UPA Chairperson Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh had decided to join the club of nuclear energy in the interest of the country. She also urged the Haryana Government to promote the concept of “Green Buildings” so as to conserve energy. Deputy Chief Minister Mr Chander Mohan also paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Mr Rajiv Gandhi and said that efforts would be made to realise the dreams of Mr Rajiv Gandhi. He said that Mr Rajiv Gandhi would be long remembered for empowerment of Panchayti Raj Institutions.Union Secretary for New and Renewable Energy, Mr Deepak Gupta said that after revolutions in IT and telecommunications, now it was time for revolution in renewable energy. He appreciated Haryana’s achievements in the sector of renewable energy, especially the schemes of solar water heaters. He said that keeping this in view, the Union Ministry had increased its own and Haryana’s target. He urged the Haryana Government to guide other States in this direction. He also stressed the need for adoption of energy efficient architecture for buildings. Haryana Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Mr Ashok Lavasa said that Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas was also being celebrated at district as well as block level to create an awakening among the people about renewable energy.Haryana Director, Renewable Energy Department, Mrs Sumita Misra presented the vote of thanks.Earlier, Mr Hooda, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, Ms Selja, Mr Chander Mohan and President of HPCCI, Mr Phool Chand Mullana, Education Minister Mr Mange Ram Gupta and Minister of State for Cooperation Mrs Meena Mandal paid floral tributes to Mr Rajiv Gandhi.The Chief Minister and Mr Muttemwar also gave away awards to the winners of 21 km half marathon organised today morning. In the category of men, first prize of Rs one lakh was bagged by Mr Santosh Kumar of Bangalore, 2nd prize of Rs 71, 000 was awarded to Mr Krishan of Panchkula and third prize of Rs 51,000 was won by Mr B.Madhusudan of Andhra Pradesh. In case of half marathon of 21 km for women, the first prize of Rs one lakh was won by Ms Chanda Pampa of West Bengal, 2nd prize of Rs 71,000 by Ms Preeti Alora of Karnataka and 3rd prize of Rs 51,000 was bagged by Ms Kavita Rawat of Maharashtra..The Panchayats which had made outstanding performance for promotion of renewable energy for the year 2007-2008 were also honoured at the function. At the State Level, the 1st Prize of Rs four lakh was won by village Panchayat Sarawan in district Yamunanagar, 2nd Prize of Rs three lakh by village Panchayat Khor in district Narnaul and the 3rd Prize of Rs two lakh by village Panchayat Karnawas in district Rewari.They were also presented with a schield and a certificate.In addition to this, prizes were also given to the Panchayats at the district and block levels for their contribution in promotion of renewable energy sources. A total of Rs.25 lakh were being given as prizes to the Panchayats today. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of poster making and slogan writing competitions.Earlier at a function held at prade ground in Panchkula, in the morning, the Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda himself drove an electricity driven vehicle to reach the venue from where he flagged off half marathon of 21 km for men and women and a rally of electricity driven vehicles which included ebikes, scooters and cars.Tableux projecting the significance of renewable energy were also taken out. The six member team of Dare Devil of Indian Air Force led by Wing Commander R.C.Tripathi exhibited their skill in sky diving. A colourful cultural programme was also presented by the school children of tricity of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. In all about 18,000 students participated in the celebrations. Hero motors also awaded two electric driven two wheelers to both winners of first prize in half marathone.Mr Hooda also administered an oath to all those present on the occasion that they would minimise the use of energy produced from conventional sources and promote renewable energy. He also announced to give Rs 2.51 lakh for distribution of sweets amongst the participating students.