Kejriwal tweaks free power scheme; subsidy only for those who ask for it

From October 1, the Delhi government will provide subsidy on electricity to consumers who opt for the scheme, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday (May 5).

The Delhi consumers at present get “zero” power bill up to 200 units of electricity and a subsidy of Rs 800 on consuming 201 to 400 units of power per month.

“The Delhi government will now ask people whether they want to avail subsidy on electricity. From October 1, only those consumers who opt for it will be provided the subsidy,” he said during an online briefing.

“If someone considers himself capable, then he can tell the Delhi government that he does not want electricity subsidy and he can use normal rate electricity. The work of asking people about this will start soon… Power subsidy will be given to those who ask for subsidised power from October 1,” Kejriwal said.

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Kejriwal’s free power and water scheme were considered the key factors that helped him capture power first in Delhi and in Punjab recently.

Keen to spread his reach to other states, Kejriwal had made similar promises to the people in Goa and Uttarkhand ahead of state assembly elections there.

When the BJP and the Congress criticised AAP for floating populist scheme, Kejriwal shot back saying, “I want to ask each and every leader that every minister gets 3,000 units of free electricity every month and if I want to give 300 units free every month to my citizens then what is wrong with this?”