Evaluation of Franchise System in Assam, West Bengal, Nagaland and Rajasthan
The Ministry of Power (MoP) had awarded a study to IRADe to assess franchise systems in Assam, Nagaland and West Bengal. Rural Electricity Corporation (REC) awarded further studies to IRADe for evaluating the franchise systems operating in different district distribution circles in Assam, West Bengal, Nagaland and Rajasthan through sample villages in these states. This project covered villages in Bankura and Dibrugarh districts in West Bengal & Assam and the REC project survey included villages in Purulia, Jodhpur and New Bongaingaon districts. Conclusions were drawn from the studies that franchises require adequate supply of good-quality power maintained by utilities to work effectively. Also capacity building of franchises should be done at the beginning.