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States » NorthPosted at: May 13 2025 1:20PM


Govt refutes power tariff hike for farmers, BKU warns of stir over billing

Shimla, May 13(UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government has strongly refuted allegations of a power tariff hike for farmers, clarifying that no decision has been taken to withdraw or reduce the electricity subsidy provided to agricultural consumers.
A government spokesperson stated that farmers continue to receive electricity at a highly subsidized rate of Re 1 per unit, while the government bears the remaining cost of Rs 4.04 per unit.
The clarification comes amid growing protests led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), which alleged an arbitrary increase in electricity rates for agricultural tubewell connections.
The state government said these claims are misleading and based on confusion caused by a temporary delay in the issuance of the subsidy notification.
“Due to a slight administrative delay, some farmers may have received inflated electricity bills. However, the excess amount will be adjusted in their upcoming bills,” the spokesperson assured.
The government reiterated its commitment to farmer welfare and said all necessary steps are being taken to ensure affordable electricity to the agricultural sector. “No change has been made in the policy, and power will continue to be provided to farmers at Re 1 per unit,” the official confirmed.
However, the BKU remains unconvinced. BKU State President and Samyukta Kisan Morcha National Member Aninder Singh Pandher (Naughty) slammed the government, accusing it of going back on its promises to the farming community.
“The Congress government came to power on the back of its assurances to farmers, but it has not delivered. The inflated electricity bills have come as a severe blow, particularly to farmers in the plains who rely on expensive borewells due to the poor condition of the canal system,” he said.
Pandher warned that BKU would not allow Electricity Board officials to enter fields for meter readings until the so-called hike is formally rolled back.
“This is the first time a Congress-ruled state has taken such an anti-farmer stand. We have informed our central leader, Rakesh Tikait, who will raise the issue with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress high command,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board reiterated that the Re 1 per unit tariff remains in effect and no order has been issued that withdraws or reduces the power subsidy to farmers.
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Tags: #Govt refutes power tariff hike for farmers# BKU warns of stir over billing
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