In Gandhinagar, Energy Minister Kanu Desai chaired a meeting with members of the Legislative Assembly to address pressing electricity issues. The meeting aimed to resolve questions raised by lawmakers regarding power supply and related concerns. Desai thanked the assembly members for their participation and acknowledged the efforts of various department heads in finding solutions.
During the meeting, Desai noted that many issues raised in previous sessions had been effectively addressed. This ongoing dialogue allows for easier resolution of public problems based on the recommendations from assembly members.
Desai informed the assembly about recent initiatives taken by the Finance and Energy departments to enhance public services. He highlighted significant reforms in stamp duty and GST, which aim to benefit citizens. Additionally, the minister announced a reduction in fixed charges on electricity bills for farmers, ensuring that 98% of villages receive power during the day.
Another notable decision is that farmers will no longer need consent from co-owners to obtain electricity connections. Instead, a self-declaration on notarized stamp paper will suffice. This change aims to simplify the process for farmers who need electricity for their agricultural activities.
The minister also reported that due to reduced fuel charges, electricity consumers have saved over ₹1900 crores on their bills. Furthermore, single-phase connections for residential purposes have been increased from 3 KW to 6 KW in rural areas, helping more households access power efficiently.
Under the Kutir Jyoti scheme, the eligibility criteria have been revised. Previously, benefits were limited to households within 100 meters of low-voltage electricity lines. Now, beneficiaries living beyond this distance can also receive assistance.
Desai announced an increase in the electricity load limit for low-tension connections from 100 KW to 150 KW. For high-tension connections, the requirement for industries to install their own transformers has been removed, easing the burden on businesses.
The minister also addressed the issue of power outages in the state. He mentioned that the government is planning to implement an emergency service to restore electricity quickly. Similar to how health emergencies operate, a toll-free number will be established for citizens to report power issues and receive immediate assistance.
Various assembly members raised concerns during the meeting, including issues related to electricity poles, compensation for farmers, the operation of new substations, underground cable lines, electricity theft, smart meters, and the Jyoti Gram scheme. Desai assured the members that all raised issues would be addressed promptly by the relevant authorities.
The meeting included key officials from the Energy and Petrochemicals Department, the Finance Department, and managing directors from various electricity distribution companies. Their presence ensured that all aspects of the discussions were covered, facilitating a comprehensive approach to resolving the issues at hand.
This meeting reflects the government’s commitment to improving electricity supply and addressing the concerns of the public effectively. By engaging directly with lawmakers, the Energy Minister aims to ensure that the needs of the people are met in a timely manner.
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