Surrender power subsidy, Himachal CM appeals to well-off consumers

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“It is optional and not compulsory to surrender this power subsidy. I feel those who can afford to pay must surrender this 125 units free power subsidy voluntarily so that the poor and deserving can get this benefit,” he said addressing a press conference here today. He made an appeal to the well-off people to contribute in the development of the state by voluntarily surrendering the power subsidy, which only the needy deserve.

Sukhu said the performa for voluntary surrendering of free power is available on the HPSEB web site and the option can also be given by calling up on the number or submit the performa in the nearest electricity board office. “There are five electricity meters in my name alone at various places where I own houses. So that way despite being CM I am availing 625 units of free power which is not correct,” he explained.

He further said that there are people who have several electricity meters in their names as per date available with the HP State Electricity Board (HPSEB). The Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs are getting all benefits so everyone has agreed to voluntarily surrender this subsidy on every meter in their name.

The Chief Minister said the HPSEB will be able to save about Rs 200 crore by this voluntary surrender of the power subsidy by the well-off who can afford to pay their bills. “There are 29,000 retired and 14,000 serving employees in the HPSEB and Rs 200 crore is spent every month on their salaries and pension. By reducing power subsidies, we will be able to improve the financial health of the board,” he said.

“Himachal is not a poor state as the people are rich but the state government is poor,” he said. “It is the moral responsibility of each one of us who can afford to pay their bills to surrender the power subsidy being given by the government so that only the needy and deserving get it,” he said.

“When Himachal came into being in 1971, the state government gave all subsidies to the people but now those who have become well-off must voluntarily surrender these subsidies,” he said. He clarified that a discussion was held on withdrawing power subsidy being given to income tax payers but a decision in this regard had not yet been taken.

Sukhu said his government had raised Rs 28,000 crore loans in last two years to repay old loans and undertake development. “All these steps are being taken to make Himachal self-reliant for which we seek the cooperation of every citizen of the state,” he said. “We managed to generate additional revenue of Rs 22,000 crore even which has helped bring the economy back on track,” he said.