Awareness camp in Nahan promotes voluntary power subsidy surrender
An awareness camp aimed at encouraging citizens to voluntarily relinquish their electricity subsidies was organised in Nahan, Sirmaur district. The event, part of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited’s (HPSEBL) ‘Subsidy Chhodo Abhiyan,’ was presided over by local MLA Ajay Solanki.
Addressing the gathering, Solanki emphasised the importance of the voluntary campaign, stating that it allows citizens to actively contribute to the state’s economic empowerment. Demonstrating his support, the MLA personally surrendered his electricity subsidy and urged others to follow suit. He highlighted that initiatives like this signify public participation in governance and reflect Himachal Pradesh’s progress toward comprehensive and sustainable development.
Superintending Engineer of the Nahan Electrical Circle, Er Darshan Singh Thakur, informed attendees that around 100 electricity consumers filled out forms to surrender their subsidies during the camp. This action aligns with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s recent appeal for affluent citizens to relinquish their subsidies to improve the state’s financial health and support HPSEBL operations.
The Chief Minister, who has already surrendered subsidies on all five electricity meters registered in his name, revealed that the state spends approximately Rs 2,200 crore annually on electricity subsidies. Additionally, Rs 200 crore is spent every month on salaries and pensions for electricity board employees. By forgoing subsidies, he said, well-off citizens can ensure that resources are directed to those who truly need them.
The event in Nahan witnessed significant participation from local leaders and officials, including Congress Mandal president Gyan Chand, councillors Rakesh Garg and Yogesh Gupta, Youth Congress leader Bablu Parashar, Road Safety Club president Narendra Tomar, HPSEBL’s Additional Director Anurag Parashar, and Deputy Director of Education Rajeev Thakur. Many local domestic electricity consumers also attended.
Citizens wishing to surrender their subsidies can do so through the HPSEBL online portal, helpline numbers (1100 or 1912), or by visiting their nearest electricity sub-division office. This collective effort aims to strengthen the state’s economy, ensure subsidies reach the underprivileged, and promote equitable resource distribution.
