Delhi’s Energy Minister Atishi said that despite a “conspiracy” to stop the power subsidy scheme, the Delhi government’s cabinet in a meeting on Tuesday approved to extend it for another one year.
The people of Delhi will continue to get free electricity on monthly consumption of 200 units. Those using 201-400 units will get 50 per cent subsidy. Atishi said in a press conference that the applications received for electricity subsidy from October till now will be considered valid till April 2024.
The minister said, “The decision has been taken despite attempts by the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor to stall the scheme.” going.
In the wake of Atishi’s allegations, the BJP accused her of lying that farmers were getting free power supply and claimed that they were getting bills of thousands of rupees due to ‘fixed charges’. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in a statement, thanked the people of Delhi for their support and assured them that they would not face “any problem” as long as they are here. The Kejriwal government had launched the free electricity scheme in 2019.
Atishi said a file on power subsidy has not yet been officially presented to the Delhi government, and claimed that power department officials have said they are under “pressure” to stop the free power scheme.
The power minister said that like every year, when the cabinet note was to be prepared for the continuation of the power subsidy scheme, officials of the power department were forcibly called to the Lt Governor’s office, where senior BJP leaders were also present.
Atishi said, “…all of them threatened the officials and got a note written on the file saying that the subsidy given to lawyers and farmers should be abolished.”
As per official data, out of over 58 lakh domestic consumers in Delhi, over 48 lakh have opted for the subsidy. Kejriwal had announced last year that the subsidy would be given only to those consumers who applied for it.
