Electricity Bill, 2001

The Electricity Bill, 2001 was intended to enable a major restructuring of the electricity system in India. It would have been better if the government had amended the existing three Acts relating to electricity three years ago and introduced essential changes, leaving an omnibus legislation like the present Bill to evolve over time. In the event, the changes have not happened and the Bill too has yet to be passed. The Bill needs to be cleared speedily. This is despite its many shortcomings which can be addressed through later amendments after the Bill is passed.