Patna: State energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav on Thursday dismissed RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav‘s promise of free electricity, saying that the Nitish Kumar govt already provides cheaper power through its extensive subsidy scheme.
“Today, some people are promising free electricity for political ends. They should remember that the govt’s subsidy scheme has already reduced the burden on both rural and urban consumers,” Yadav said in a statement without naming Tejashwi.
Highlighting the scheme’s benefits, Yadav said, “We are giving electricity at rates cheaper than neighbouring states. Subsidies cover 73% of the bills for below poverty line (BPL) households, 67% for rural domestic consumers and 44% for urban domestic consumers. Agricultural users benefit from a 92% subsidy.”
He added that the state has earmarked Rs 15,343 crore for electricity subsidies in 2024-25, benefiting every category of consumer. “The number of power consumers has risen to 2.12 crore and per capita power consumption has increased to 363 units from 70 units in 2005. This reflects Bihar’s historic progress,” Yadav said.
The minister also highlighted improvements in power infrastructure and supply. “Bihar now receives 8,005MW of power compared to 700MW two decades ago. Rural areas receive 22-23 hours of electricity daily while urban areas get 23-24 hours,” he said.
Providing cost details, Yadav said, “Farmers pay 55 paise per unit as the govt provides a subsidy of ₹6.19 per unit against a charge of Rs 6.74. BPL households pay Rs 1.97 per unit with a subsidy of Rs 5.45 per unit. Urban consumers pay Rs 3.30 per unit for the first 100 units with a subsidy of R4.12 per unit.”
The minister added that these efforts have spurred growth, improved infrastructure and eased costs for households and businesses.
“This is a marker of Bihar’s achievements under the current govt,” Yadav said.
Patna: State energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav on Thursday dismissed RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s promise of free electricity, saying that the Nitish Kumar govt already provides cheaper power through its extensive subsidy scheme.
“Today, some people are promising free electricity for political ends. They should remember that the govt’s subsidy scheme has already reduced the burden on both rural and urban consumers,” Yadav said in a statement without naming Tejashwi.
Highlighting the scheme’s benefits, Yadav said, “We are giving electricity at rates cheaper than neighbouring states. Subsidies cover 73% of the bills for below poverty line (BPL) households, 67% for rural domestic consumers and 44% for urban domestic consumers. Agricultural users benefit from a 92% subsidy.”
He added that the state has earmarked Rs 15,343 crore for electricity subsidies in 2024-25, benefiting every category of consumer. “The number of power consumers has risen to 2.12 crore and per capita power consumption has increased to 363 units from 70 units in 2005. This reflects Bihar’s historic progress,” Yadav said.
The minister also highlighted improvements in power infrastructure and supply. “Bihar now receives 8,005MW of power compared to 700MW two decades ago. Rural areas receive 22-23 hours of electricity daily while urban areas get 23-24 hours,” he said.
Providing cost details, Yadav said, “Farmers pay 55 paise per unit as the govt provides a subsidy of ₹6.19 per unit against a charge of Rs 6.74. BPL households pay Rs 1.97 per unit with a subsidy of Rs 5.45 per unit. Urban consumers pay Rs 3.30 per unit for the first 100 units with a subsidy of R4.12 per unit.”
The minister added that these efforts have spurred growth, improved infrastructure and eased costs for households and businesses.
“This is a marker of Bihar’s achievements under the current govt,” Yadav said.