Rajasthan Congress demands revocation of power tariff hike

Hindustan Times | By, Jaipur
Published on: Sep 28, 2016 09:32 PM IST

The Congress on Wednesday staged protests across the state demanding withdrawal of electricity tariff that has been increased up to 12% effective from September 1.

The Congress on Wednesday staged protests across the state demanding withdrawal of electricity tariff that has been increased up to 12% effective from September 1.

Congress supporters stage a protest inside Chambal river against hike in power tariff in Kota on Wednesday.(AH ZAIDI/ HT PHOTO)
Congress supporters stage a protest inside Chambal river against hike in power tariff in Kota on Wednesday.(AH ZAIDI/ HT PHOTO)

Tariff for domestic electricity has been hiked by 75 paise per unit, while that of commercial use by 12.10%. Minimum charge is increased to `30 per month.

State Congress chief Sachin Pilot said that under UDAY scheme, the Centre took over loan of `60,000 crore from loss-making discoms but with conditions such as curbing transmission and distribution losses, theft, administrative mismanagement, feeder improvement and ensuring smooth power supply.

“It is unfortunate that the state took no concrete step on any of these, resulting uncontrollable figures of losses and theft. In absence of a specific policy, electricity is purchased on high prices in peak season, and power tariff has been increased twice in the last three years,” said Pilot.

He appealed Congress leaders to be ready to fight for peoples’ right.

“Time has come for the Congress workers to take to the streets and stall the government’s working. Increased power tariff will not be accepted at any cost,” said Jaipur district Congress chief Pratap Singh Khachariyawas.

Leader of opposition Rameshwar Dudi dubbed the government dictatorial. “They do not let the assembly run or listen, every section of society is resented.”

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
close
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
Get App