Arvind Kejriwal’s Delhi government has taken a significant step by extending the scheme for zero electricity bills and subsidies until the financial year 2024-2025. This decision was announced by Minister Atishi following an emergency cabinet meeting convened by the Chief Minister on Thursday.
Atishi expressed her satisfaction with the decision, stating, “I am extremely glad to announce that in today’s cabinet meeting, it has been decided that free electricity bills and subsidies will continue in 2024-2025 as well for the people of Delhi.” This move underscores the government’s commitment to providing essential services and support to the residents of Delhi, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups such as lawyers, farmers, and victims of the 1984 riots.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal further elaborated on the extension of the scheme, announcing that 24-hour electricity and free electricity bills would be available in Delhi until March 31, 2024. He also emphasized that this initiative would continue to include subsidies for various segments of society. Kejriwal highlighted the unique nature of this scheme, noting that Delhi and Punjab are the only regions in the country where such benefits are provided, contrasting with other areas where power cuts and high electricity bills are common.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal convened an ’emergency’ cabinet meeting at his residence to address the issue of power subsidies. Speculation arose regarding a ‘major decision’ from the Cabinet on power subsidy for the upcoming year ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The existing free electricity scheme in Delhi provides free electricity to consumers with a monthly consumption of up to 200 units, while those consuming between 201-400 units receive a 50% subsidy.
The impact of the government’s free and zero electricity bill scheme is evident from the significant number of households benefiting from it. In the fiscal year 2022-23 alone, nearly 4.94 million households in Delhi availed electricity subsidies. The Economic Survey indicates that the Kejriwal government allocated a subsidy amount of ₹3,161.22 crore for this purpose during that period, with a provision of ₹3,250 crore for the subsequent fiscal year.
The survey further highlights the increase in electricity consumption in Delhi, with approximately 35,042 million units consumed in 2022-23 compared to 31,116 million units in the previous fiscal year. Despite the rise in consumption, the government successfully met the peak power demand, which reached 7,695 MW during the same period.
Overall, the extension of the scheme for zero electricity bills and subsidies reflects the Delhi government’s proactive approach to addressing the needs of its residents and ensuring access to essential services. By continuing to provide electricity subsidies, especially to vulnerable sections of society, the government aims to alleviate financial burdens and improve the quality of life for the people of Delhi.