New Delhi, Delhiites will now have to fill up a form to get or quit subsidy on electricity. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has already announced this. Now officials have said that the power department has prepared a proposal to take feedback from consumers who have taken or left the subsidy.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said in May that free electricity would be available only to those who wanted it. Those who do not want a subsidy on electricity can opt out by filling out a form.
The new subsidy system will be implemented after October 1.
Officials said that after October 1, the form will be made available in both online and offline modes with ‘yes’ and ‘no’ options regarding waiver of subsidy. He said consumers would be able to get the form along with the electricity bill from next month. In this, they have to write ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to get the subsidy. Electricity distribution companies will collect customer feedback in digital format through their official portal.
Chief Minister Kejriwal had earlier said that the money saved from subsidies donated by consumers could be spent on schools and hospitals. About 70% of consumers in Delhi pay their electricity bills online. According to an official, the Delhi government has allocated Rs 3,50 crore for power subsidy in 206-2.
Earlier, Rs 3,050 crore was allocated in 2020-21. The government hopes that subsidizing the people will reduce these costs. In the meantime, a public awareness campaign will be launched. In which this information will be given, subsidy will be given only if people want to take it. According to official figures, there are 2.16 lakh electricity consumers in Delhi.
Out of which 2.11 lakh benefit from Delhi government’s subsidy scheme. Of these, 20.8 lakh household consumers use only 300 units of electricity in a month and get 100% subsidy. 12.50 people consume up to 201-300 units of electricity and get a subsidy of up to Rs.500. HS2KP