Inspite of Mumbai MP’s protesting for reduction of electricity tariffs but CM has only provided relief to other parts of the state and ignored the city.
With an eye on the forthcoming general election the Maharashtra government has reduced electricity tariff by 20 per cent across the state but Mumbai was ignored. Even though Congress MPs Sanjay Nirupam and Priya Dutt had held demonstrations in Mumbai for reducing the electricity charges but the government failed to provide any relief for Mumbaikars as they will continue to pay the current tariffs. Why was the city given a step-motherly treatment by the government? Mumbaikars are disappointed with the government’s decision and are asking if electricity charges has been reduced in Delhi why can’t it be replicated in Mumbai too?
Mumbai consumers receive power supply from Tata Power, Reliance Infrastructure and BrihanMumbai Electric Supply & Transport MahaVitaran has estimated that a 20% cut in the average billing rate (ABR) would cut industrial tariff by 87 paise to Rs 7.45 a unit from the present ABR of Rs 8.32 a unit.
When asked whether this decision was taken on account of the AAP effect, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan denied and said, “The decision to decrease power tariffs was taken by Congress party. AAP doesn’t have anything do with this decision.”
NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik had said that this decision was taken due to the AAP effect, “I welcome the decision taken by Maharashtra Government to reduce power tariffs. However, the NCP had put forward a proposal to decrease electricity charges three months back.”
On the other hand, BJP leader of opposition from the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Vinod Tawde said, “The Congress party has taken this decision keeping in mind the forthcoming election. The government had taken a decision to waive of electricity charges for farmers but later they failed to implement it. Once the government returns to power it will withdraw this decision.”
Ram Kelavan, a panipuri vendor said, “After Sanjay Nirupam’s protest I was expecting that the electricity charges will come down. However, we are unhappy with the state government’s decision.”
Ram Kumar Mishra, a Kandivali resident said, “If the power tariffs can be reduced in Delhi then why can’t it be replicated in Mumbai. Did we commit any crime or do we belong from backward caste that we can’t enjoy reduced power rates?”
Mukesh Bhanushali, a Malad resident said, “This kind of decision only shows that the government is not bothered about Mumbaikars. It’s really shameful that even though Mumbai MPs protested for the reduction of electricity tariffs but Mumbaikars didn’t derive any benefit out of it.”
Pravin Yadav, Andheri resident said, “I thought that Congress will provide us some relief by reducing electricity rates. However, I am really unhappy with the government’s decision to sideline Mumbai.”
At present, the annual subsidy of Rs 10,500 crore is provided to agricultural consumers and Rs 1,100 crore to power looms. Of this, MahaVitaran cross-subsidises industry and commercial consumers worth Rs 6,500 crore; the balance is contributed by the state government.
