Govt promises to give free electricity connections to BPL households in UP | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Govt promises to give free electricity connections to BPL households in UP

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Mar 28, 2017 01:42 AM IST

Above Poverty Line (APL) households will be provided reasonable EMIs and 100% financing to get power connections.

In a three-hour meeting between Union power minister Piyush Goyal and UP energy minister Shrikant Sharma on Monday, it was decided that all Below Poverty Line (BPL) households will be given free electricity connections.

Power minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shrikant Sharma meets Union power minister Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi on March 27.(PTI Photo)
Power minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shrikant Sharma meets Union power minister Piyush Goyal, in New Delhi on March 27.(PTI Photo)

Above Poverty Line (APL) households will be provided reasonable EMIs and 100% financing to get power connections. “We have to bring an Urja Kranti in UP and we will work together to achieve it,” Goyal said. It was also decided to extend an amnesty scheme to those who want to shift to legal connections.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The meeting looked at ways to reduce power thefts in the state, which has one of the most indebted distribution companies. As of January 2016, debts for UP state discoms stood at 53,000 crore. While smart metering will be introduced, interest waiver and EMI options for pending electricity dues will be extended.

“The electricity connections will be given without any discrimination on caste or religious lines and will be based on the latest Socio-Economic Census data,” said a statement from the Union power ministry.

Along with electrification, the meeting also discussed ways of energy efficiency — agricultural pumps older than 10 years will be replaced, LED bulbs will be used for street lighting across all municipalities and old thermal plants will be replaced with energy efficient ones.

All these projects will be monitored by power ministry officials in association with the state government. Goyal’s ministry will monitor weekly reviews from its on-ground team. In addition to this, the central and state power ministries will work on a roadmap to provide affordable 24x7 power to all in UP by October 2018.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on Election 2024, India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Suchetana Ray covers aspects of the government’s economic policy. A news junkie, she is invested in HT’s ‘digital first’ policy.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On