In Gandhinagar, an important meeting took place under the leadership of Kanu Desai, the Minister of Finance, Energy, and Petrochemicals. This meeting focused on addressing electricity-related questions raised by members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and MPs. Desai thanked all the assembly members for their contributions and acknowledged the efforts of officials from various departments. He said that these meetings help to resolve pressing issues efficiently.
During the previous meeting, many of the questions raised by the MLAs were resolved satisfactorily. Desai pointed out that suggestions from assembly members make it easier to address public concerns. He informed the assembly members about significant decisions made by the Finance and Energy departments that benefit the public.
This includes reforms in stamp duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST). Additionally, there has been a reduction in charges for passenger vehicles in the e-vehicle and maxi-category. Farmers in the state have also seen a decrease in fixed charges on their electricity bills. Currently, 98% of farmers in the state receive electricity during the day.
Moreover, for landowners with multiple co-owners, the requirement for consent to obtain electricity connections has been relaxed. Now, a self-declaration on notarised stamp paper is sufficient. This decision aims to support farmers further. Furthermore, even if there are multiple co-owners on a land title, each can receive an electricity connection without considering the area of the land.
Due to reductions in fuel charges, consumers have benefitted from over ₹1,900 crores in relief on their electricity bills. For residential, single-phase connections in areas outside villages, the limit has been raised from 3 KW to 6 KW regarding fixed charges, making it more affordable for residents. In non-tribal areas, a group of ten houses can now obtain electricity connections based on fixed charges instead of actual costs.
Under the Kutir Jyoti scheme, there were strict criteria for beneficiaries. Previously, only those within 100 meters of light-pressure electricity lines could benefit. However, the state government has now included beneficiaries living further away, following recommendations for changes to the criteria.
Additionally, the limit for low-tension connections has been increased from 100 KW to 150 KW. Previously, industries were required to install their transformers, which often led to financial burdens and land acquisition issues. The new decision alleviates these problems.
Desai highlighted that power outages happen for various reasons. To address these quickly, the state government will soon launch an emergency service for power restoration. Similar to how ambulances are dispatched during health emergencies, a team will respond to restore power via a toll-free number. This new model is currently being developed. Citizens will also be able to register their electricity issues online easily.
During the meeting, several assembly members brought up various issues, including electricity poles, farmer compensation, the functioning of new substations, underground cable lines, electricity theft, smart meters, and the Jyoti Gram scheme. Kanu Desai assured them that all raised questions would be addressed promptly by the relevant officials.
In attendance at the meeting were senior officials from the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, the Finance Department, and representatives from Gujarat Gas, UGVCL, PGVCL, DGVCL, MGVCL, and GETCO. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort needed to tackle electricity issues in the state effectively.
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