Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal today (1 August 2019) announced that people living in the national capital will not have to pay any amount of their electricity bills if their power consumption does not go beyond 200 units.
In a press conference, Aam Aadmi Party chief said that the Delhi government will give full subsidy to those consuming up to 200 units of electricity.
Kejriwal also said people who will consume 201 to 401 units of electricity will continue to get 50% power subsidy from the state government.
He added, "Those in Delhi who consume up to 200 units of electricity will not have to pay their electricity bills. They will receive a ‘zero’ electricity bill. Consumers of 201 to 400 units of electricity will get approximately 50% subsidy”.
The Delhi CM also said, "People used to give Rs 622 for 200 units of electricity till yesterday but now it's free. For 250 units they had to pay Rs 800, now they will only pay Rs 252. For 300 units, they used to give Rs 971, but now they will pay Rs 526. For 400 units, they paid Rs 1320 and now they will pay Rs 1075”.
Kejriwal said that the move will cover at least 33% consumers in the capital, whose usage is less than 200 units in summer and during winter, the power consumption of around 70% people is below 200.
The announcement comes just few months ahead of assembly elections in the capital after AAP Chief proposed free metro rides for women in Delhi.
The Ruling government has called the announcement an election strategy. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said, "This is not the decision of Kejriwal's party. This is the result of the Bhartiya Janata Party’s struggle... We can see it by 2 angles that it is the strategy to attract public before the polls. They have looted 7,000 crore from Delhi people. When they will refund that?”
Meanwhile, calling the day historic for Delhi, Manish Sisodia, Deputy CM said, "Every family deserves a life of dignity. Just like good education & healthcare - a basic quantum of electricity to run lights or fans at home is essential for that."
