Maharashtra Government Contemplates Listing MahaVitaran: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 7 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday that the state is evaluating the option of listing the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran) on the stock exchange.

CM Fadnavis stated that if this initiative proceeds, MahaVitaran would become the first electricity distribution entity in India to be publicly traded.

During a discussion regarding the Governor’s Address in the Maharashtra Assembly, the chief minister revealed that by 2030, approximately 52 percent of the state's electricity will originate from renewable sources.

He also mentioned that there will be a reduction of 17 percent in rates for customers consuming between 100 to 300 units of electricity monthly.

As a result, 95 percent of residential consumers will directly benefit from this decrease in electricity tariffs.

Consumers who opt for smart meters will receive a 10 percent discount on daytime electricity usage.

The government has made prepaid meters optional, while postpaid meters will also be available.

In addition to enhancing the energy sector, the government is addressing farmers' challenges.

There are plans to gradually clear the outstanding electricity debts of farmers amounting to Rs 75,000 crore, he noted.

CM Fadnavis also highlighted that free electricity has been provided to 1.30 lakh households through the 'Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme', with the government allocating over Rs 1,000 crore in subsidies for these beneficiaries.

He claimed that the state has achieved the top position in the country due to effective program execution.

“Under this initiative, households utilizing up to 300 units of electricity will receive free power, and any surplus generated will be purchased by the government. This alleviates consumers from the burden of electricity bills,” he stated.

CM Fadnavis mentioned plans to directly install solar panels in 20 lakh homes being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Consequently, these residences will be exempt from electricity costs. This initiative is crucial for promoting clean energy and fostering self-reliance.

Additionally, the state government aims to introduce a new scheme modeled after the central government's approach.

“Approximately 70 percent of state domestic consumers (around 1.5 crore families) utilize 0 to 100 units of electricity each month. Under the new plan, these families will have the opportunity to install solar panels on their roofs, achieving complete freedom from electricity bills,” he added.

“Maharashtra stands as a frontrunner in all sectors nationally. In areas ranging from industry to agriculture, service, and health, the state excels. Maharashtra boasts unparalleled infrastructure development across the country. Our commitment is to further enhance this already exceptional state,” the chief minister expressed.

CM Fadnavis expressed hope that the opposition would collaborate with the government in delivering effective governance.

He reiterated that the Rs 86,000 crore Nagpur to Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway will be constructed, assuring that the government remains open to addressing farmers' and political parties' concerns.

“This Expressway will originate from Sevagram in Wardha district, traversing 12 districts and connecting all pilgrimage sites. The construction of this Expressway will spur development in the Marathwada districts. Furthermore, it will play a vital role in linking South Maharashtra and Konkan with Central India. While some farmers opposed this Expressway in certain areas, those in Kolhapur district have consented to land acquisition for the project. Additionally, a 100-km road will be built from Nashik to Vadhvan to enhance connectivity to the nation's largest Vadhavan port,” he stated.

Moreover, the chief minister mentioned that the ambitious Nar-Par-Girna river linking project will significantly aid thousands of farmers in Nashik and Jalgaon districts.

This initiative ranks as the second-largest river linking project in the state, bringing 49,516 hectares of land under irrigation.

This will particularly benefit several regions in Jalgaon district, including Kalvan, Deola, and Malegaon.

Additionally, 31 new dams will be constructed under the Wainganga to Nalganga river linking project, accompanied by a 426-km canal.

“This river linking initiative will transform the landscape of Vidarbha, ensuring that drought becomes a thing of the past in the region. The tendering process for these projects will commence shortly, and the government is dedicated to providing irrigation water to farmers,” he concluded.