Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
India

AAP keeps poll promise; halves power tariff, gives free water

Darpan News Desk IANS, 25 Feb, 2015 11:24 AM
    The AAP government Wednesday halved the power tariff for up to 400 units per month and said it would supply 20,000 litres of water free to Delhi's metered households from March 1 - keeping its two big-ticket poll promises.
     
    While the cut in electricity rates through subsidy will benefit over 36 lakh families - 90 percent of the domestic consumers - the free water will be provided to all the 18 lakh metered households in the capital, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters.
     
    He said after a cabinet meeting here that the power subsidy would cost the exchequer Rs.1,427 crore annually, while the free water would cost of Rs.250 crore.
     
    A consumer will have to pay Rs.2 per unit for up to 200 units a month, in comparison to the Rs.4 per unit at present, which has a subsidy of Rs.1.20 per unit.
     
    For those consuming between 200-400 units, the cost would be down from Rs.5.95 per unit to Rs.2.97. In this slab too, there is an existing subsidy of 80 paise - announced by the central government in last year's budget.
     
    However, there is a rider. The consumer will be charged full rates from zero base if the electricity consumption crosses 400 units. 
     
    This also applies to the free water consumption.
     
    "The relief in electricity bills will be provided to domestic consumers till the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) audit of private power distribution companies (discoms) is completed," a government statement said.
     
    During its last stint of 49 days in Delhi in 2013-2014, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government had cut power rates by 50 percent and made 667 litres of water per day for all metered households free. The Aam Aadmi Party had highlighted these two populist measures during its campaign in the run up to the Feb 7 Delhi elections.
     
    "The reduction in power tariff will benefit 36,06,428 families, which is around 90 percent of the domestic consumers," Sisodia said.
     
    "The people gave us an unprecedented mandate in the election. Like last time, we will do what we say. We want the burden of paying huge electricity bills off the common man's shoulder," he added.
     
    Sisodia said the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been directed to speed up the process of setting up infrastructure to provide free water to colonies which do not have pipelines. 
     
    The group housing societies will also get the benefit of free water.

    MORE India ARTICLES

    Obama's India Visit: From 'Natural Partner' To 'Best Partner'

    Obama's India Visit: From 'Natural Partner' To 'Best Partner'
    India and the US saw the forging of a closer partnership, helped in great measure by the personal and visible bonding between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama, as the two sides elevated their ties with a new 'Declaration of Friendship' and also managed to pull off a "breakthrough" agreement on their stalled civil nuclear deal.

    Obama's India Visit: From 'Natural Partner' To 'Best Partner'

    Rahul Gandhi Hits Delhi Campaign Trail, Attacks Modi For Promoting His 'PR'

    Rahul Gandhi Hits Delhi Campaign Trail, Attacks Modi For Promoting His 'PR'
    Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday sought to strengthen the party's campaign for the Delhi assembly polls through a road show where he accused Prime Minster Narendra Modi of promoting his "PR" (public relations).

    Rahul Gandhi Hits Delhi Campaign Trail, Attacks Modi For Promoting His 'PR'

    Congress rattled by Obama's successful visit: BJP

    Congress rattled by Obama's successful visit: BJP
    The BJP Tuesday said the Congress was "cut off from the reality of changes" and "rattled by the successful visit" of US President Barack Obama, following criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he was busy doing his own "PR" (public relations) and not anything concrete.

    Congress rattled by Obama's successful visit: BJP

    Will Bring Jan Lokpal, Says Arvind Kejriwal

    Will Bring Jan Lokpal, Says Arvind Kejriwal
    Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday said his party was still committed to bring anti-graft Jan Lokpal legislation in the capital.

    Will Bring Jan Lokpal, Says Arvind Kejriwal

    Digvijaya Singh Dares Modi To Follow Obama's Advice On Religion

    Digvijaya Singh Dares Modi To Follow Obama's Advice On Religion
    Alluding to US President Barack Obama's message advocating every individual's freedom to practice religion, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh Tuesday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take inspiration and follow it in the country.

    Digvijaya Singh Dares Modi To Follow Obama's Advice On Religion

    ' Mann Ki Baat': Modi, Obama Open Hearts, Share Values In A Joint Radio Address

    ' Mann Ki Baat': Modi, Obama Open Hearts, Share Values In A Joint Radio Address
    It was history being made on radio. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama addressed a joint “Mann ki Baat” programme on radio, talking about their humble origins, their inspirations, on women empowerment and youth and values shared by two of world's largest democracies.

    ' Mann Ki Baat': Modi, Obama Open Hearts, Share Values In A Joint Radio Address