125 units of free power, 50% bus fare discount for women in Himachal Pradesh

Chamba, April 15

With the Himachal Pradesh Assembly poll due in December, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today announced free power up to 125 units for domestic consumers, 50 per cent fare concession for women in HRTC buses and no water bills in rural areas.

Copying Delhi model

Copying the Delhi model of governance, the BJP in HP has made these announcements. Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi CM

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Presiding over the state-level Himachal Day function here, the Chief Minister said that from July 1, people consuming up to 125 units of power would get “zero bill”. The decision would benefit 11.5 lakh consumers and cost the exchequer about Rs 250 crore annually, he said. The “no water bill” provision for rural areas will cause Rs 30-crore revenue loss to the state Jalshakti Department.

Thakur, who unfurled the Tricolour and took salute from the contingents of police, home guard, NCC and NSS, announced Rs 5 crore for expediting work on the Holi-Uttarala road and the mini secretariat in Chamba. He paid respects to freedom fighters and founder and first CM Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar.

The message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was telecast on the occasion, who appreciated the development journey of the state despite geographical and other constraints. Modi appreciated the efforts being made by the state government under the leadership of Jai Ram Thakur. He said with the strengthening of road network, the state was opening new vistas of development in tourism and allied sectors.

A cultural programme was presented on the occasion. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Vipin Parmar, MP Kishan Kapoor, Chief Whip Vikram Jaryal, MLAs Pawan Nayar and Jia Lal Kapoor, Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh and Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu were present on the occasion, among others.

Election freebies

• 125 units of free power, 11.5 lakh domestic consumers to benefit; cost: Rs. 250 crore
• No water bills in villages; 50% cut in bus fare for women