Aman Sood
Patiala, July 23
The Punjab Government today came out with the details of its flagship scheme to provide 600 units of free power to every household, but with riders for the SC, BC, BPL or freedom fighter category consumers.
In a circular, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) today made it clear that in these four categories, consumers paying income tax, or who are related to ministers or former ministers, or are getting Rs 10,000 per month pension or are doctors, chartered accountants, advocates or architects will not be eligible for the subsidy for power units consumed above 300 units per month or 600 units in a bimonthly billing cycle. The PSPCL has asked domestic consumers exceeding power consumption of 600 units bimonthly and still applying for subsidy, to fill a self-attested form to avail the benefit.
The form states that SC/BC/BPL/freedom fighter consumers, who are ministers or their relatives are staying in the same house, will not get the benefit. Mayors or ex-mayor and ex-councillors too will not be entitled to the subsidy. A senior PSPCL official said all consumers, irrespective of their caste or financial background, were eligible to get 600 units free per two months. If the consumption exceeds 600 units then they have to pay the whole bill. However, consumers of the SC, BC, BPL or freedom fighter categories are charged only for the units consumed above the 600 units. “This category of consumers once they exceed the 600-unit limit will have to make a mandatory declaration,” he said. “The idea is to ensure power subsidy reaches the needy and the ones getting government special concession do not misuse the same,” said a top PSPCL official privy to the developments.
A senior official confirmed that the existing annual subsidy bill for domestic consumers was Rs 4,000 crore, but now with the announcement of free 300 units per month, it shall rise to Rs 7,200 crore, if the consumption pattern remains same. Reacting to the development, the SAD said the PSPCL notification had exposed “another fraud” of the government.
SAD spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema said though a small section of society might get benefit of the scheme, reality was that a good number of people were either a government employee, or pensioner, doctor, engineer, chartered accountant or other professional.
Who all affected
- SC, BC, BPL, freedom fighter category users who consume over 600 units in two months
No 600+ subsidy for…
- Those paying income tax
- Architects, engineers, doctors, advocates
- Service retirees having Rs 10,000/month pension
Punjab puts riders on power subsidy for SCs
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