Consumers in Delhi will continue to enjoy free electricity services until March 2025. The Kejriwal government has once again accused officials of attempting to halt Delhi's free electricity subsidy scheme. An emergency cabinet meeting took place at the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Thursday where the electricity subsidy scheme was extended until March 31, 2025.
Kejriwal's Post
After the meeting, Arvind Kejriwal posted on social media saying, 'A huge congratulations to the people of Delhi. Your 24-hour uninterrupted power supply (zero power cuts) and the provision of free electricity have been extended till March 31, 2025. This includes free electricity for lawyers' chambers as well. There were doubts among many regarding the continuation of the electricity subsidy - will it be available next year or not? Let me assure you that there were attempts to stop it, but your son has managed to get it done. Just for your information, 24-hour power and free electricity are available only in Delhi and Punjab. In the rest of the country, there are long power cuts and people have to pay thousands in electricity bills. This is because Delhi is governed by an honest and educated leadership.'
Atishi Accuses the Central Government
Following the cabinet meeting, Atishi spoke to the media outside the Chief Minister's residence, saying 'Providing 24-hour and free electricity is a big promise of the Arvind Kejriwal government, a commitment that the Aam Aadmi Party government has been fulfilling for the last 9 years. Delhi is the only state where 24-hour electricity is guaranteed, and 22 lakh households receive zero electricity bills. There is no policy by the Arvind Kejriwal government that the opponents have not tried to stop. Whenever Arvind Kejriwal wants to work for the people of Delhi, our opponents try their best to hinder his efforts.' Atishi further commented that the opposition tried to disrupt the electricity subsidy last year as well. At one point, it had to be announced that from that day forward, the zero electricity bills would cease. This year too, for the past month, the opponents have made every possible effort to ensure Delhi residents won't receive zero electricity bills for the year 2024-25, and attempted to halt Kejriwal government's subsidy scheme.
Atishi stated 'The opposition has summoned officers and threatened them to stop the zero electricity bills for Delhi residents. But when Arvind Kejriwal makes a promise to the people of Delhi, he ensures to fulfill it no matter the challenges that arise. Today's decision by the Kejriwal government's cabinet confirms that the citizens will continue to receive free electricity bills and subsidies. The free electricity subsidy scheme for 2024-25 will continue as decided by the cabinet.'
Energy Department Budget Exceeds Three Thousand Crores
Please be informed that on March 4, Finance Minister Atishi in the Kejriwal government proposed a budget of 3353 crores for the Energy Department for this fiscal year. There are 58 lakh 86 thousand domestic electricity consumers in Delhi, and 68.33% of them are benefiting from the subsidy. Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Atishi also revealed that approximately 3 crore 40 lakh zero electricity bills were issued to consumers in the year 2023.
