New Energy Minister Nirmal Kumar Vows to Clear Rs 1 Lakh Crore TANGEDCO Debt, Fulfil Poll Promises

Interview given by Hon'ble Minister for Electricity and Law, Thiru C.D.R. Nirmal Kumar, to journalists in Madurai today (16.05.2026): Question: You have been allocated the Electricity portfolio. What are you planning to do in this department in the coming days? Answer: I have been allocated both the Electricity and Law departments. The Leader (Chief Minister) has placed great trust in me by entrusting this important department. Over the past 25 years, all the previous governments have ruined and reduced the electricity department to rubble. The decline of the electricity department began during the DMK regime in 2006. Around 2001, this department employed nearly 1,45,000 people; today employment has fallen by half. The entire structure has been affected. The electricity department is carrying a debt of nearly one lakh crore rupees. The Leader has entrusted me with the enormous task of setting all this right. We must make the state self-reliant in power generation. We will reduce the amount of electricity currently purchased from outside and make full use of the opportunities within our own state to make it self-sufficient in power generation. Through basic infrastructure, steps will be taken to meet the electricity needs of every town. Question: This is summer, a season when power cuts are more likely to occur. Similarly, given the Chief Minister's announcement of 500 units, what issues are you looking at while administering this department? Answer: All the promises made by the Hon'ble Chief Minister before the election will be fulfilled 100 percent. There is no alternative view on that. Portfolios have only just been allocated. As the Hon'ble Chief Minister said at the time of assuming office, all departments will be thoroughly reviewed and a white paper will be released. Only after that review is completed in our department can we decide what needs to be done. Only after auditing all departments and studying which issues are most important and need to be addressed first can a decision be reached. What is known from outside is that there is a debt of about one lakh crore rupees, and coal procurement is not being done properly. In addition, electricity is being purchased at a higher unit price. There is also the 44,000-transformer scam on hand, which is already with the CBI. Setting right a department with so many shortcomings requires a great deal of effort and hard work. The Hon'ble Chief Minister has placed enormous trust in giving me this department. There is no alternative view on our commitment to remedy the situation 100 percent. Question: Along with the Chief Minister, portfolios have been allocated to 10 people. When will the cabinet expansion take place? Answer: The Hon'ble Chief Minister is reviewing each department every day at the Secretariat and taking action as needed. Whenever cabinet expansion is required, the Chief Minister will take the necessary steps at that time. ***** Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9