Himachal minister Dharmani asks well-off consumers to give up free power subsidy

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government is set to review its electricity subsidy scheme, which currently waives off bills for domestic consumers up to 125 units per month. Speaking to the media after a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani stated that the scheme, introduced by the previous government, would no longer include all consumers by default.

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Minister Dharmani emphasised that individuals who can afford to pay their electricity bills should voluntarily opt out of the subsidy scheme, similar to the ‘Give It Up’ initiative for gas cylinder subsidies. “The government is considering launching a plan to encourage financially stable consumers to forgo this benefit, ensuring that only those genuinely in need continue to receive free electricity,” Dharmani explained.

The minister reassured that under the new approach, free electricity will still be provided to those who are financially unable to pay. “We are committed to consumer-friendly policies, but financial prudence is equally important,” Dharmani said, stressing the importance of efficient financial management to protect the interests of both consumers and the state’s resources.

Addressing concerns about staff adjustments within the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board, Dharmani clarified that no engineers had been removed from their posts. “There are only adjustments being made, and no one is losing their job,” he said, putting to rest rumours of job losses.