India, Aug. 7 -- A parliamentary panel on Thursday suggested the power ministry to devise a viable water cess framework for hydroelectric projects in the country that are mutually agreeable between the Central and State Governments.

The Committee on Public Undertakings, in its 31st report tabled in the Parliament, noted that several state governments have modified agreements with public sector hydroelectric company NHPC to include revised demand for free power, reassessment of SGST waivers and the application of water cess for hydroelectric projects in their respective jurisdictions.

Such changes have impacted the commercial feasibility of certain projects and necessitated timeline adjustments for construction commencement, it noted.

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