High political tension on electricity tariff hike as LoP charges govt with ‘anti-people' move

Time of India

a day ago

Raipur: The third day of the Monsoon Session of the
witnessed intense debate and sharp exchanges as the Opposition Congress moved an adjournment motion over the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
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Leader of Opposition Dr Charandas Mahant led the charge, terming the hike as burdensome and unjustified, while chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai defended the increase, calling it one of the lowest in the country and necessary for the state's energy goals.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Mahant criticized the govt's "anti-people" decision to raise tariffs across all consumer categories, including domestic users, farmers, and small businesses.
Mahant reminded the House that the recent hike was the second tariff increase in just 20 months since the Sai-led govt came to power.
"Nearly six million consumers have been affected. Even farmers are now paying more per unit than industrial units. What kind of govt's priority is this?" Mahant questioned over the electricity tariff hike in the Assembly.
Common Citizens Punished With Higher Bills As Govt Depts Don't Pay Theirs: LoP
Mahant also pointed to what he described as alarming mismanagement in the power sector.
"Over Rs 8,000 crore in dues are unpaid, Rs 2,500 crore by govt departments and Rs 5,500 crore in subsidies. To make up for this, common citizens are being punished with higher bills," he said.
He also cited repeated fire incidents at power department godowns in Raigarh, Gudhiyari in Raipur, and Bhilai-3 within the last 20 months, calling them indicators of systematic negligence. "Even under the RDS scheme, Rs 3,560 crore was sanctioned by the Centre.
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But if the govt doesn't pay its share, the 60% grant will be converted into debt. This is how you plan to develop Chhattisgarh?" he asked.
Adding to his criticism, Mahant said that power cuts, low voltage, and erratic supply were frequent, even at ministerial residences. "What are common citizens supposed to expect?" he asked.
CM's Response
Responding to the notice of adjournment motion, CM Vishnu Deo Sai asserted that the hike was modest and transparent.
"Only a 1.89% rise has been approved for 2025–26. That's among the lowest in the country. For farmers, the 50 paise per unit increase will have zero impact as their bills are already subsidized and paid in advance by the govt," Sai clarified.
He added that domestic consumers will see a mere 10 to 20 paise rise per unit, and that rates for energy-intensive industries, including mini steel plants and rolling mills, have been reduced to boost the manufacturing sector.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Sai announced that a Rs 15,800 crore project for a 1320 MW power plant in Korba is underway.
The CM also shared updates on ongoing improvements in supply and efficiency. "Urban areas are receiving 23.85 hours of electricity per day, rural areas 23.45 hours, and farm feeders 18 hours a day. We have reduced technical and commercial losses from 23.14% to 13.79%, which is a significant achievement," he said.
He further pointed to over Rs 9,400 crore being invested through a Capital Investment Plan for transmission, distribution, and generation upgrades.
Additionally, MoUs worth over Rs 3 lakh crore have been signed to generate employment and enhance energy infrastructure.
Speaker Raman Singh informed the House that adjournment notices were received from 33 members.
However, after the CM's assurance and presentation, he disallowed the notice for motion by the opposition.
Rare Thankful Note
In a rare move, LoP Mahant thanked the CM, saying, "At least it seems the govt is taking the matter seriously and CM is looking into it, hence, I am thankful to him."