Jharkhand

• 19 Dec 2022

Smart Meters will Start Working in Pre-Paid Mode from New Year in Jharkhand

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on December 18, 2022, Smart Meters will start working in pre-paid mode from January in Ranchi, Jharkhand. In the first phase, 1,000 meters installed under the pilot project will be converted into pre-paid smart meters, which will be started from January 10.

Key Points

• The it cell of Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) found the data sample survey report to be correct, after which the project has got the green signal. A total of 3.5 lakh smart meters are to be installed inside Ranchi city. Under its first phase, 45 thousand smart meters will be installed.
• The chip has been installed in the smart meter and its signal will reach the receiver installed in the power companies through mobile towers. Meters are being installed outside the basement to avoid network problems.
• With the help of network frequency, the meter will first transfer data to the head end system (HES). After this, the generated data will be decoded and sent to the consumer as the final bill with the help of the software after the tariff calculation under the billing cycle through the meter data management system.
• After smart metering, JBVNL will get rid of line loss due to power theft and other means in Ranchi. Currently, about 20 percent of the power lines go into loss. Apart from this, the problem of errors, wrong bills, etc. during meter reading by energy friends will also be relieved.
• Consumers will be able to easily assess the current, balance electricity bill, electricity balance and consumption through the display screen installed on the prepaid smart meter.
• Consumers will be able to use electricity on a minimum recharge of Rs 200 and depending on the consumption, it can be a maximum of 20 thousand or even more for commercial users in special circumstances. After the amount is over, the electricity will be automatically cut off. However, as the money runs out, consumers will continue to receive messages on their mobiles as a warning.
• It is worth mentioning that after paying the dues on behalf of JBVNL, the ban imposed by the central government on power exchange and modern power has been lifted.

Three-day 'Goonj Mahotsav'

Why In News?

On December 18, 2022, a three-day 'Goonj Mahotsav' began at Silli in Ranchi, Jharkhand, which was inaugurated by Jharkhand Governor .

Key Points

• Before inaugurating the 'Goonj Mahotsav', Governor Ramesh Bais launched a high-end library and study centre online at Silli College in Ranchi. The study centre will be run by the Jharkhand State Open University.
• The 'Goonj Mahotsav' saw a cultural performance by 5,001 artistes and a cultural performance by 1,500 youth.
• Speaking on the occasion, Goonj Mahotsav patron MLA Sudesh Kumar Mahato said that Goonj Mahotsav, which started with efforts to preserve the heritage of Jharkhandi culture and tradition, has played a decisive role in the development of the region and empowerment of the society with its memorable journey. 74 thousand families are associated with its responsible Goonj family.
• Subroto Das of The India Book of Records, who attended the event, announced the inclusion of Chhau dance as a traditional dance in the records, along with the award to Sudesh Kumar Mahato.
• Silli Haat has been constructed on the theme of rural surroundings at Silli Stadium, the venue of Goonj Mahotsav. About 100 stalls have been set up in this Haat. Women associated with SHGs have also set up several stalls.