‘Will Not Give Permission For Power Gear Imports From China’: Union Power Minister R K Singh

The Ministry of Power led by Union Minister RK Singh has announced import restrictions on the equipment used for "power supply systems and networks" to shut the doors for Chinese imports, while also placing China in the 'prior reference' list along with Pakistan, reports Business Standard.

As an outcome of China being placed in the 'Prior Reference' list, import of all power supply equipment from China will now need prior and explicit permission from the Ministry. Further, restrictions have also been instituted in the form of mandatory tests and checks of all imported equipment, components and parts to ensure they are free of any malware, trojan viruses or other cyber attack agents.

"The total import in the power sector in 2018-19 was Rs. 71,000 crore of which Rs. 21,000 crore was from China. We cannot tolerate this. A country which tries to transgress into our territory, kills our soldiers and we create jobs in that country?" Singh said in the state energy ministers conference chaired by him this morning in his opening remarks.

He further added, "We create jobs in that country when we have the ability to manufacture it (equipment) ourselves. We have decided not to buy from prior-reference countries. Any equipment imported will need permission. And we will not give permission for equipment from China and Pakistan."

The move comes after the electrical equipment industry had in a representation to the Ministry highlighted its concerns over the threat of cyberattacks from China, especially with respect to the power distribution segment.