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Recently, the Department of Power organized an awareness programme on Energy Conservation and Energy Efficient Appliance Loan.

Organized in collaboration with SISCO Bank under the aegis of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India, the programme was held at District Administrative Centre, Rabdentse.

The main aim of the programme was to generate awareness and sensitize the gathering regarding energy conservation.

It stressed on the significance of energy efficient appliance loan, in order to make general power consumers aware of the importance of energy conservation.

It is pertinent to mention here that 65% of existing power generation is done through fossil fuel, a non-renewable energy.

But causing pollution in the environment due to it’s generation has mounted an immediate concern. As a result, it has become important to consume power judicially.

Addressing the house, Shri Pemba Lepcha, the Nodal Officer briefed about the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

He informed that the Act is enacted all over India, thereby briefed about the State Energy Conservation Fund and urged the use of heating appliances in a disciplined manner.

Meanwhile, he further stated that by reducing specific energy consumption, people should be made aware of their responsibilities.

He informed that SDA (State Designated Agency) Sikkim has signed an MoU with SISCO bank for disbursement of loan worth of Rs 1 lakh.

It will be provided to the potential beneficiaries to purchase energy efficient electrical appliances with 5 stars label product i.e., Refrigerator, AC, Geyser, TVs, Laptops, Microwave, Washing Machine etc.

Further, he informed about the energy conservation loan schemes and said that the Group C and D category (Regular) employees can avail the benefit.

Additionally, he mentioned that interested people may contact nearby SISCO Bank.

The team also elucidated the doubts amongst those present in the programme.

They informed that the applicant has to submit a salary certificate of a total 35% take home salary to avail this scheme.

Besides, the total 36 EMI will be deducted by SISCO bank with 0% interest.

SISCO bank is a co-operative bank that provides loan to members only.

Hereby, it is mandatory that 1% of total loan shall be levied to the borrower to provide membership to the bank.

It will provide share subscription to the borrower for which debenture will be provided annually.