EC switches off MP power sop

It has advised that the order be put off till after the elections. An inquiry conducted by the commission found that though the MP government’s scheme to waive off bills of farmers using 5 HP unit of power or less was announced before the poll dates were announced on October 6, the implementation only took place recently. ‘‘When the records of the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board were checked, it was found that the government started to implement the incentive programme for small and middle-level framers as late as November 5,’’ sources in the EC said. The Opposition had filed a PIL in the Jabalpur bench to stall the programme. On November 6, when the matter came before it, the HC instead of giving a ruling had asked the EC to decide whether it was a violation of the model code of conduct.