The Bihar government is preparing to provide free electricity up to 100 units to every family. The Energy Department has prepared a proposal that has been approved by the Finance Department. The scheme will be implemented after approval from the Cabinet.
Bihar Free Electricity: The Bihar government is preparing to provide another relief to the citizens of the state. Work is now underway on a plan to provide free electricity up to 100 units per month to every family. This proposal, prepared by the Energy Department, has been approved by the Finance Department. The scheme will be formally implemented after the approval of the Council of Ministers.
Direct benefit to urban and rural consumers
Under this scheme, consumers in both urban and rural areas will be given relief. Currently, the electricity rate in urban areas is ₹7.57 per unit, which comes down to ₹4.52 after subsidy. In rural areas, consumers are getting electricity at the rate of ₹1.97 per unit under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana and ₹2.52 per unit for other domestic consumers.
Now, if this new scheme is implemented, every family will not have to pay any charge up to 100 units. Only those consuming more than 100 units will have to pay at the prescribed rates for the additional units.
Preparation for a big gift before the assembly elections
This scheme is being introduced at a time when the assembly elections in the state are approaching. Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also taken decisions like 35% reservation for women and increasing social security pension. The 100-unit free electricity scheme is being seen as a part of these announcements. Its aim is to directly provide relief to the common voters and give a positive message in the election environment.
Finance Department approved, now Cabinet approval pending
The proposal prepared by the Energy Department was first sent to the Finance Department. Since the government will have to bear the financial burden on this scheme, financial approval was taken first. Now this proposal is with the State Council of Ministers. The process of implementing the scheme will start after approval from there.
Increased burden of subsidy on the government
The free electricity scheme will definitely increase the financial burden on the government, but currently, the electricity distribution companies are running in profit. Therefore, the government can bear the burden of this scheme in the initial phase. According to the Energy Department, millions of consumers will benefit directly from this scheme.
Relief possible for the agricultural sector as well
The government does not want to be limited to domestic consumers only. There is discussion that additional discounts can also be given on electricity rates to consumers in the agricultural sector. This will also provide relief to the farmers and boost the rural economy.
Free up to 100 units, charges fixed above that
Currently, the detailed guidelines of the scheme will be issued after the approval of the Cabinet. But according to the preliminary proposal, consumers will not have to pay any charges up to 100 units. As soon as the consumption of electricity goes above this limit, the bill will be taken at the prescribed rates.
Announcement of increase in pension scheme as well
Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, changing the social security pension scheme, increased the pension amount from ₹400 to ₹1100 per month. This new amount will be implemented from July and more than 1 crore 9 lakh 69 thousand beneficiaries will get its benefit.
35% reservation for women in government jobs
The government has also decided to give 35 percent reservation to women in government jobs in the state. Its aim is to increase the participation of women in the workforce and make them self-reliant. The Chief Minister says that the role of women in governance and administration should be important and this step is in that direction.
