New Delhi, Dec 26 (KNN) Expressing concerns and disappointment over poor utilisation of budgetary allocation of the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), a Parliamentary Panel has asked for expediting the capacity of smart meters' manufacturing under it.

The panel has called for this to meet their increasing demand, reported Business Standard.

Ensuring the quality and reliability of the smart meters, the panel has also recommended that they must undergo mandatory quality check by independent institutions like the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI).

Presenting its report on demands for grants of the Power Ministry in the Parliament, these observations have been made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy during the recently-concluded Winter session.

The NSGM was unveiled by the government in 2015 to plan and monitor the implementation of policies and programmes related to smart grid activities in India.

The committee noted with concern that there was an allocation of Rs 40 crore for smart grid for 2020-21, however, the actual utilisation was Rs 16.1 crore only.  (KNN Bureau)