Tuesday, August 09, 2022

Arvind Kejriwal promise for Punjab: 24×7 power, 300 units free

The announcement came amid efforts by the ruling Congress in state to offer 200 units free electricity to all households, a key promise the party had made before the last Assembly polls, which the party high command now wants fulfilled in a time bound manner.

Written by Man Aman Singh Chhina | New Delhi |
Updated: June 30, 2021 2:22:41 am

Punjab is reeling under an unprecedented power shortage with urban and rural areas facing frequent load shedding and voltage fluctuations. (Express File Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Raising the poll pitch in election-bound Punjab, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday announced 300 units of free power to all domestic consumers in Punjab if the party is voted to power in 2022.

He also declared that AAP would ensure round-the-clock power supply in Punjab and waive pending electricity bills if it wins the next Assembly polls.

Kejriwal, meanwhile, clarified that all existing electricity schemes, including free power for farmers and the present rate of tariff for industries, will continue. The sops were promised during Kejriwal’s visit to Chandigarh.

“It is a guarantee of Kejriwal which will be fulfilled on the very first day of the AAP government, unlike tall promises of Captain Amarinder Singh, that were never fulfilled,” said Kejriwal. As part of the promises, Kejriwal further announced that the disconnected electricity connections will be restored and all domestic power bill arrears or unpaid bills will also be waived off after AAP comes to power in Punjab.

AAP announcements in Chandigarh:

Arvind Kejriwal promises 300 electricity unit free for domestic consumers in Punjab. Says 76 per cent population of state will get zero bill.
All old arrears in bill for domestic consumers to be waived.
Promises 24X7 power supply.@IndianExpress

— Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) June 29, 2021

Kejriwal said that in Delhi, the AAP government was giving 200 units free electricity to each household and in Punjab, concession will be of 300 units.

He said that since infrastructure upgradation will be required for 24-hour power supply, it would take some time for implementation. Kejriwal said that it would take about two to three years for this implementation as in Delhi too it took two and half years to provide 24-hour power supply.

“Electricity is a very big issue in Punjab and the situation is very bad. Despite being a power surplus state, the electricity tariffs in Punjab are the highest in India,” he said, adding that it is because there was a nexus between the private power plants and those in power.

He said that after giving 300 units free to people, about 80 per cent households will get zero power bill.

“People in every district are anxious about electricity bills. Even bills worth thousands are being given to poor people having one fan and two bulbs. Earlier, such was the situation in Delhi also, but now the situation has changed. We will do the same in Punjab. This is my guarantee,” he added.

Speaking on the debt in Punjab, Kejriwal said that the situation was similar in Delhi too, but it was made profitable.

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“We will implement such a model in Punjab also. A government with good intentions will be brought,” he added.

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