JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh on Friday directed the officers of Power Development Department (PDD) to expedite work on various projects especially those taken up under Prime Minister’s Development Package – 2015. Dr Singh was speaking at a meeting convened to discuss implementation of various schemes in power sector. Commissioner /Secretary Power Development Department (PDD) Dheeraj Gupta, Development Commissioner Power Sheikh Gul Ayaz, Chief Engineers and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting. Dr Singh asked the officers to synergise their efforts so that effective implementation of various initiatives meant for augmentation of the power infra under the PMDP is fast paced and these are completed within the stipulated timeline. “We have to ensure that the funds released by the Centre to the tune of Rs. 11,650 crore are fully utilised so that proper augmentation and renovation of the existing power infra is done and new ones are added as well’, he added. It was informed in the meeting that out of total amount of Rs. 11,650 crore earmarked under PMDP, an amount of Rs. 6,153 crore has been earmarked for improving the power generation in the State. Similarly, an amount of Rs. 4,332 crore has been kept for improving distribution network in the State and Rs. 1,250 crore for improving transmission capabilities, out of which Rs. 400 crore each for Jammu, Kashmir divisions and Rs. 300 crore for Ladakh.