CM gives major relief to farmers through massive subsidy

By Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal, July 6, 2011

On the initiative of Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state cabinet on Tuesday decided to sanction Rs. 1776 crore subsidy for year 2011-12 to provide relief to power consumers of some categories on the tariff fixed by the Electricity Regulatory Commission with effect from June 1,2011. The decisions comes as a major relief to farmers in the state, reports SMS News and Features.

As per the decision, 90 paisa per unit subsidy would be given to domestic consumers consuming upto 30 units, Rs. 1.25 per unit subsidy to power loom consumers upto 25 horsepower, Rs. 1.75 to Rs. 2.05 per unit to permanent agricultural consumers and Rs. 1.75 per unit subsidy would be provided to temporary agricultural consumers.Besides, Rs. 15 per unit subsidy would be granted to the agricultural consumers being supplies power through DTR meters, whereas electricity would be supplied free of cost to the farmers of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes owning up to one hectare for use of up to five horsepower. The high-tension lift/group irrigation consumers would be exempted from annual minimum charge and low tension consumers would be provided subsidy at the rate of Rs. 1.90 per unit at par with agricultural consumers. The below poverty line scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families having single point light connection would be supplied electricity free of cost upto 25 units. For the street light schemes of municipalities/nagar panchayats subsidy would be provided at the rate of Rs. 95 per kilowatt from the prescribed cost. In addition to this, the cess on all categories of power consumers is being abolished. This would result in 10 paisa per unit reduction in their electricity bills.

It may be mentioned that the State Government under the stewardship of Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been in the forefront of providing various facilities to farmers. In January this year,  the Chief Minister had said that a Farmers Welfare Fund would be set up in the state. The Krishak Kalyan Ayog would be continued and made more effective. Chairman of the Ayog would be appointed.

Chouhan had directed to forward the proposal to the Government of India for considering the agricultural field of farmers as unit under National Crop Insurance Scheme. He said that he would himself take up the matter with the Prime Minister during his proposed meeting with him. The Chief Minister directed to strictly check the sale of fake fertilizers-seeds and other farm input. He directed that action taken report in cases registered this year in this regard should be presented before him. He said that not only sellers of fake fertilisers-seeds but concerning government staff found lax in prevention of their sale and registering cases would also not be spared. The Chief Minister underlined the need to reach the benefits of schemes for providing subsidies on farm implements. He said that benefits of subsidy should be ensured to eligible farmers. He also sought a list of beneficiaries of these schemes. Mr Chouhan stressed the need for close monitoring of Balram Tal and Khet Talab schemes. He said that implementation of these schemes should be got assessed by School of Good Governance and a report of this be submitted to him.