The Committee of Secretaries, at a meeting to discuss the participation of foreign companies in the work packages of Kotil Bhel Hydro-Electric Project, has decided that generic guidelines for participation of foreign companies in the hydroelectric power projects should be put to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval.
The Committee decided that the decision regarding Kotli Bhel HEPs would be taken only after CCS gives approval to the guidelines. The ministry of power has been asked to get CCS approval on guidelines drawn in consultation with the ministry of home affairs and the ministry of external affairs for participation of foreign companies for hydro projects falling in sensitive areas. The note for generic guidelines on participation of Chinese companies on hydro projects in sensitive areas is being mooted separately.
Meanwhile, MHA has asked the power ministry to include the guidelines the project developer should determine and the optimum number of foreign employees required to be deployed at the project being awarded or sub-contracted to a foreign company. The principal in this regard should be to keep the number of foreigners at the bare minimum possible and restricted to the skilled, technical and supervisory level.
MHA has also asked the ministry to include the concerned state government and local police who should be aware of the presence of foreigners working on sensitive projects in their jurisdiction, so that their activities could be kept under watch. At the same time, it will also ensure the security of foreigners from threats by local trade unions and extremist organisations. The ministry, after including the above suggestions, will show the guidelines to CCS for approval.