AAP Effect: HP CM launches 125 units of free electricity scheme Claims, that over 14 lakh consumers to get zero electricity bill – EQ Mag Pro

Counterbalancing the Aam Aadmi Party’s ‘free power units’ promise to the electorate of the hill state, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday launched ‘125 units of free electricity’ scheme, claiming to benefit state’s more than 14 lakh electricity consumers who would not get “zero electricity bill”.

Thakur, presiding over the function organized by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEB) to launch the Scheme at Mandi’s famous Paddal ground, said that the present BJP-led State Government has taken many such welfare decisions during its tenure to ensure direct benefits to the common people.

“The State Government recently took a decision that 125 units of free power would be provided to the people of the State which has benefitted over 14 lakh electricity consumers of the State as they are now getting zero electricity bill,” he said.

Thakur said that the State generates surplus electricity and it has about 24,567 mega watt (MW) power potential, out of which 11,138 MW stands harnessed. “The State has set a target of harnessing 10,000 MW of additional power potential by the year 2030, out of which about 1500 to 2000 MW would be solar power,” he said.

He said that the State Government has changed policies from time to time to encourage project builders to invest not only in hydro power projects but also in solar, wind and hybrid cum pumped storage. Due to the State Government’s these efforts, construction work of 24 hydroelectric projects has been completed in the State during this tenure, he said.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was known as the ‘Power State’ and the State Government felt that the electricity consumers should get some benefit of this distinction of the State. “The State Government, thus, decided to provide 125 units free power to the consumers. With the State Government’s this decision, out of state’s total 22,59,645 domestic consumers, over 14,62,130 consumers were now getting zero electricity bill,” he said adding that on consumption of 125 units power, the consumers earlier had to pay about Rs 600.

“By providing 125 units free power, the State Government has ensured saving of about Rs 600 per month for over 14 lakh consumers,” he added.

Thakur added that the women constitute 50 per cent of our total population and one cannot even imagine development without active participation and overall development of the women. “With this objective in mind, the present State Government was providing 50 percent concession in bus fare in HRTC buses. An additional amount of Rs 25,000 revolving fund has been provided to all the women self-help groups associated with the village organization. The Government has started Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana to make women empowered and self-reliant and subsidy up to 35 per cent is being provided to them to start their own self-employment venture,” he added.

Stating that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a special bonding and benevolence with the people of the State, Thakur said: “Today in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, the Prime Minister made reference to Gangot panchayat of Kangra district for making children of migrant labourers as special guests during the celebration of 15th August this year. The Prime Minister also made reference to the community participation of the people of Spiti valley during harvesting of their crops. This shows the special bonding the Prime Minister shares with the State and its people.”

Thakur also urged the people of the State to save power as power saved was power generated.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated 33KV Electric Sub Station Kalyard, Mandi with a cost of Rs 3.29 crore on the occasion.

Power Minister Sukh Ram Chaudhary, addressing the event virtually, thanked the Chief Minister for launching this scheme, which has provided much needed relief to the consumers of the State. He said that keeping in view the Covid-19 pandemic, the present State Government headed by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had earlier decided to provide free electricity up to 60 units and now the State Government has decided to provide 125 units free power to the consumers, which have benefited over 14 lakh consumers.

Source: PTI