The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a financial assistance for 200 million US dollars under the Assam Power Sector Enhancement Investment Programme. <br/><br/>This was disclosed by Union Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee in a letter to Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee further pointed out that apart from the loan, ADB will also provide a grant of 1 million dollars for capacity development of the power sector utilities.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee appreciated the active participation and cooperation of the State Government for quick completion of the entire process of loan approval.<br/><br/>The project has some innovative features like franchisee based distribution, off grid electrification with renewable energy, reduction in CHG emissions through efficiency gains.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee said these innovative features were appreciated during consideration of the proposal by the Board of Directors of ADB.<br/>The Union Finance Minister hoped that the State Government under the leadership of Shri Gogoi would spare no efforts in implementing the project in time so that the desired benefits were fully realized.<br/>