Shimla, Jan 1,
On New Year’s Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made an earnest appeal to affluent citizens of the state, urging them to voluntarily surrender their power subsidies. This, he stated, would help ease the financial strain on the state electricity board and support the economically weaker sections of society.
Addressing a press conference at his official residence, Oakover, the Chief Minister revealed that even he had been receiving a subsidy of up to 625 free units of electricity across his five power connections. Setting an example, he announced that he had relinquished the subsidy on all his connections and encouraged others, particularly those with multiple power meters, to do the same by contacting the toll-free number 1119.
Highlighting the issue of misuse, Sukhu pointed out that certain individuals with 185 to 250 power connections continue to benefit from the 125-unit free power subsidy for each connection. “It is imperative for such individuals to come forward and voluntarily give up these benefits. This step could significantly bolster the state’s financial resources,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister disclosed that the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) is grappling with a deficit of Rs 1,850 crore to Rs 2,000 crore. Savings generated by forfeiting subsidies could be redirected to welfare programs for the underprivileged, he added.
To address this, the government has introduced a scheme allowing households with multiple electricity meters to avail subsidies on only one connection. Presently, out of 27 lakh domestic consumers in Himachal Pradesh, approximately 16 lakh households benefit from the 125-unit free electricity scheme.
Sukhu also noted that the Congress party had promised free electricity up to 300 units during the 2022 state elections. However, the government is now taking steps to make subsidies more targeted, ensuring that only genuinely needy households receive benefits while wealthier citizens pay the full tariff.
By encouraging collective action, CM Sukhu aims to overcome the financial challenges faced by the state and strengthen its welfare initiatives.
