Govt to spend Rs19,370cr on power subsidy: Dy CM
The proposal is expected to be cleared by the state cabinet on Friday, following PM Narendra Modi's rally in Motihari. Cabinet meetings are typically held on Tuesdays, but the schedule has been advanced in view of the announcement.
Explaining the financial outlay, Choudhary said, "A sum of Rs 15,995 crore was earlier spent on energy grants. Now, the state govt will bear an additional burden of approximately Rs 3,375 crore in this financial year."
As the move comes in an election year, opposition parties quickly accused the ruling NDA of copying the manifesto promises of the INDIA bloc. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had earlier pledged 200 units of free electricity if the alliance came to power.
Dismissing Tejashwi's remarks, Choudhary said, "What can be done if the child was in a hurry? The manifesto of the INDIA bloc has not even been prepared yet."
The deputy CM also outlined future energy goals under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, which aims to connect every household with solar power within the next three years. "The Centre is offering a 50% subsidy for installing solar panels. In addition, the state government will provide separate grants to beneficiaries. Our goal is to produce 10,000MW of electricity through this scheme," he said.
Choudhary added that households installing 1kW solar panels would be eligible for free electricity for the next 25 years.
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