Ranchi, Mar 14 (UNI) The issue of irregularities in allotment of contracts for electrification and equipment purchase in the energy department dominated the proceedings in Jharkhand Assembly today.

Congress party leader Manoj Yadav today alleged that the officials had turned the state into the 'contractors' hub' instead of making it a 'power hub'.

Replying to a debate called to discuss the power scenario in the state, Union Power secretary Bandhu Tirkey said the government too was concerned over the status of power in Jharkhand.

Mr Tirkey said about 19,833 villages were still not getting electricity and hoped to electrify them by 2009 under Rajeev Gandhi Vidyutikaran Yojna.

Mr Tirkey also said that a huge amount of money would be required for this purpose and expected Centre's help for completion of the scheme.

He said efective measures were being taken to improve the situation, adding Chief Minister Madhu Koda was in constant touch with the Union Power secretary for the allocation of Centre's fund.

Mr Tirkey said the state government was making efforts to increase the capacity of Patratu Thermal Power station and Tenughat.

Simimlarly the production capacity was also being increased by establishing new units in Hazaaribagh, Koderma, Bokaro, Maithon and Chandrapura.

The study for establishing 660 MW plants in Chandil, Pakur Sahebganj and Bhawnathpur was being done.

Earlier Vinod Singh (CPI-ML) said that Jharkhand State Electricity Board had committed flaws in purchase of equipments and demanded inquiry into the matter.

Critising the erstwhile NDA government for not implementing the Rajeev Gandhi Gramin Vidutikaran Yojna Mr Singh said till now the scheme was not initiated in the state.

UNI