Sign in

Nitish Kumar announces 'free electricity' for Bihar consumers ahead of assembly poll

The announcement comes as Bihar is due to hold assembly polls later this year, most likely in October or November, though the EC has yet to issue proper dates.

Updated on: Jul 17, 2025, 09:49:33 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced free electricity for all consumers in the state for up to 125 units.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (Hindustan Times)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (Hindustan Times)

The announcement comes as Bihar is due to hold assembly polls later this year, most likely in October or November, though the Election Commission has yet to issue proper dates.

“We have been providing electricity at a cheaper rate since the start. We have now decided that from August 1, 2025, that is, from the July bill itself, all domestic consumers of the state will not have to pay any money for electricity up to 125 units,” the Bihar CM posted on the social media platform X.

According to the chief minister, the announcement will benefit a total of 1 crore 67 lakh families in the state. He also informed about the state government's decision to install solar panels at household rooftops or nearby public places with the consent of domestic consumers. Kumar said that this decision would be implemented in the next three years.

Under the Kutir Jyoti scheme, the state government will bear the entire cost of installing solar power plants for extremely poor families and provide appropriate support for the rest.

Nitish Kumar's job bonanza

Nitish Kumar on Wednesday instructed education department officials to identify teacher vacancies in government schools and initiate the process for holding the Teachers' Recruitment Exam (TRE)-4 as soon as possible.

In TRE-1 and 2, 1.70 lakh and 70,000 teachers were appointed, while in TRE-3, 66,603 posts could be filled against 87,774 vacancies.

“The education department has been instructed to identify vacancies of teachers in government schools and initiate the process to conduct the TRE-4 examination at the earliest. The state government has already clarified that the benefit of 35 per cent reservation for women in appointments will be given to those who are residents of Bihar,” Kumar wrote on X on Wednesday.

According to officials of the education department, the TRE-4 is expected to provide opportunities to over 1.20 lakh teacher aspirants, and the notification in this regard is expected soon.

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will conduct the test for primary, middle, secondary and senior secondary teachers in schools.

"TRE-4 will be held before the model of conduct comes into force in the state," Bihar education minister Sunil Kumar told reporters on Wednesday.

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.