Ranchi: Union minister for power and housing & urban affairs, Manohar Lal, on Friday asked the Jharkhand govt to restructure the debt liabilities of its power distribution company (DISCOM) and curb high transmission losses.Reviewing the state’s power and urban development schemes during his visit to the state capital, the minister expressed concern over Jharkhand’s Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, which currently stand at 24%, significantly higher than the national average of 15%.“It was discussed in the meeting that steps will be taken to prevent electricity theft and increase the billing efficiency so as to decrease the losses by next year and gradually continue decreasing them over the years,” Lal said during a media briefing.He further highlighted the need for timely clearance of outstanding govt department dues and directed setting up a mechanism for regular settlements. This includes the mandatory conversion of all meters in govt establishments to prepaid ones by Aug 31 this year. Also, the state has been asked to achieve 100% smart meter installation for high-load consumers, including commercial and industrial segments, by the end of Aug, while expediting the conversion for domestic consumers as well.Lal also advised prioritising solar rooftop installations on all state govt buildings, a step aimed at reducing the govt’s reliance on the grid and cutting down budgetary power expenses.The minister reviewed the progress of on-grid electrification under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), urging state authorities to fast-track execution to light up tribal pockets. “New electricity connections will be given to around 30,000 tribal households across the state. Where there is no transmission line, solar power will be used to ensure electricity in every house,” he said.Addressing supply grievances in the six districts fed by the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), the meeting resolved to form a joint venture between DVC and Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL). This joint body will conduct a comprehensive study of the distribution network in DVC-supplied zones to implement systemic upgrades and ensure uninterrupted power supply.