So, while the power tariff is Rs 2 per unit, the village councils would give the department Rs 1.60 per unit. Longkumer said the villages could use the money to install streetlights. The department plans to collect Rs 21 crore as revenue through the scheme.

While Central assistance and loans would bear the brunt of the cost of the mini plants, a lot would depend on villagers’ contributions. The power department would act as the nodal agency. However, there is a cloud over the feasibility of these projects as the variable costs are quite high. Moreover, difference of opinion among the village development boards may also be a hurdle.

Nagaland seat: Congress candidate Takatiba Masa Ao was today declared the winner of the election to the Arkakong Assembly seat. He defeated his Nagaland People's Front (NPF) rival by a margin of 498 votes, reports our Kohima correspondent. In a tactical move, the BJP had withdrawn its candidate from the constituency, where a repoll was conducted on Wednesday, to pave the way for an NPF victory.