CM APPEALS TOO INCOME TAX PAYERS TO FORGO THE 125 UNIT FREE ELECTRICITY

CM APPEALS TOO INCOME TAX PAYERS TO FORGO THE 125 UNIT FREE ELECTRICITY

2-NOV-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------Regarding the 'Chief Minister Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme' (Mukhyamantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayata Yojana) implemented by the Bihar government, Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has made a special appeal to the state’s well-off citizens. He has urged those who pay income tax to voluntarily relinquish the 125-unit free electricity subsidy or donate it back to the government. Currently, approximately 19.2 million (1.92 crore) domestic consumers in Bihar benefit from this scheme. The Chief Minister stated that the funds saved by the financially capable opting out of the subsidy would be utilized for the state's development and the improvement of its educational system.

Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has called upon the state’s economically prosperous and income-tax-paying citizens to stop availing the 125-unit free electricity subsidy. He noted that if the affluent class were to donate their subsidy back to the government, it would be a significant step in the state's interest. Notably, the Chief Minister made no mention of the various free perks and facilities currently provided to ministers, MLAs, other public representatives, and high-ranking officials. Instead, he directed this appeal specifically toward the general public—individuals who are already contributing through various forms of taxation.

Unlike some other states, Bihar did not previously offer free electricity. The trend of 'freebie' schemes was pioneered by Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi, after which several state governments adopted similar policies to secure their political standing. The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also implements various schemes of a similar nature. These initiatives range from direct cash transfers to the provision of food grains. Just before the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, the then-Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government introduced a free electricity scheme and initiated the transfer of funds directly into the accounts of women. The result was a resounding victory for the NDA, which returned to power with a massive majority. Now, however, the responsibility of continuing these schemes has fallen upon the current leadership—including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. Managing the necessary funds is a significant challenge, and the focus has now turned to the free electricity scheme.

Approximately 19.2 million (1.90 crore) domestic consumers in the state are currently receiving up to 125 units of free electricity every month.

• Providing 125 units of free electricity to the people of Bihar costs the government approximately ₹23,000 crore annually.

• The government believes that if the affluent class opts out of the subsidy, the financial burden on the state exchequer will decrease, allowing those funds to be reallocated elsewhere.

Explaining the rationale behind encouraging the voluntary surrender of the subsidy, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary stated that the funds saved—when those who are financially capable choose to forgo this benefit—will be directly invested in the state's development. These resources will be used to improve government schools and educational infrastructure in Bihar, as well as to support other public welfare initiatives.

In Bihar, relief is being provided to all domestic electricity consumers under the 'Chief Minister's Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme' (Mukhyamantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayata Yojana). Currently, about 19 million (1.90 crore) households receive up to 125 units of free electricity each month. The government now intends to ensure that the benefits of this scheme are directed exclusively toward those in need—specifically, poorer families—thereby ensuring the efficient and appropriate use of state resources.