GRID-INDIA 

Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) was recently designated as a Miniratna Category-I central public sector enterprise by the Ministry of Power.

About Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA):

• GRID-INDIA holds the crucial mandate of overseeing the seamless and uninterrupted operation of the Indian Power System.
• It ensures the efficient transfer of electric power within and across regions, facilitating trans-national power exchanges with a focus on reliability, economy, and sustainability.
• It was established in 2009, to facilitate competitive and efficient wholesale electricity markets and administer settlement systems.
• Five Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) are a part of the agency.

Functions of GRID INDIA:

• GRID-INDIA shoulders the immense responsibility of managing the All India synchronous grid, one of the world’s largest and most intricate power systems.
• Integration of power systems, escalating energy demands, the proliferation of Renewable Energy (RE) sources, economic growth, and technological advancements are governed.
• As a knowledge-driven organization, it adapts to the changing needs of the power sector through electric power transfers with reliability, security, and economic efficiency.
• It upholds the principles of independent system operation, fostering a level playing field for all stakeholders involved.

What is a Miniratna Category-I enterprise?

• The government granted enhanced autonomy and delegation of financial powers to companies in 1997, subject to certain guidelines to make them competitive and efficient.
• The companies receive financial autonomy of Rs 500 crore, which they can use for investment without government approval.
• It is given to some other profit making companies (other than the Navratnas) subject to certain eligibility conditions and guidelines to make them efficient and competitive.
• These Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) were categorized into Miniratna as follows:
  • Category I CPSEs should have made a continuous profit in the last 3 years, pre-tax profit should be at least Rs. 30 crore and should have a positive net worth.
  • Category II CPSEs should have made a profit for the last 3 years continuously and should have a positive net worth.

Criteria for eligibility as Miniratna:

• They have not defaulted in the repayment of loans/interest payment on any loans due to the Government
• These public sector enterprises shall not depend upon budgetary support or Government guarantee.
• The Boards of these CPSEs should be restructured by inducting at least three non-official Directors as the first step before the exercise of enhanced delegation of authority.
• The administrative ministry concerned shall decide whether a PSE fulfilled the requirements of a category I/category II company before the exercise of enhanced powers.

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