Why Did the MP Government Rescind Electricity Restrictions for Farmers?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh government rescinds electricity restrictions.
- Sharp criticism from Congress and farmers prompted the reversal.
- Chief Minister assures no intention to limit power supply for agriculture.
- Previous order stated violations would lead to salary deductions for operators.
- Commitment to providing adequate power supply to farmers emphasized.
Bhopal, Nov 5 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh has reversed its decision made on Wednesday to limit electricity supply to farmers to just 10 hours a day, a move that faced intense backlash from both Congress and the farming community.
The state administration also took action against A. A. K Jain, the Chief General Manager (CGM) of Madhya Pradesh Kshetra Vidyut Vitara Company, who had issued the controversial directive on November 3.
This directive mandated that power supply to agricultural feeders should not surpass 10 hours each day.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that there is no intention to restrict power supply for agricultural purposes and assured that the official responsible for the misleading order would face consequences.
“We will ensure unrestricted power supply for agricultural activities. The BJP government is dedicated to providing farmers with the necessary electricity. I have already taken measures against those responsible for this erroneous order,” stated Yadav.
The previous order indicated that exceeding the 10-hour limit would be considered a violation, resulting in a deduction of one day’s salary for the relevant operator as punishment.
Senior officials within the Power Department also received similar warnings.
The directive specified that even if there was an increased demand due to wet soil conditions, power supply should not exceed the 10-hour limit, and any overage would be treated as a breach of regulations.
Congress has criticized the BJP-led state government, arguing that farmers are already receiving insufficient power supply, often only for 7 to 8 hours daily, and such an order would exacerbate their struggles.
However, the Electricity Department of Madhya Pradesh has now confirmed that the previous restrictive order has been annulled.