AAP urges government to replicate Delhi electricity model in Goa

PANJIM: Condemning the proposed hike in power tariff, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday urged the government to desist from such moves and suggested that the State administration follow the Delhi model to provide relief to the people as both are similar but dealt with differently.

Surel Tilve of AAP said in Delhi people get free electricity supply if they consume up to 200 units per month. 

“This has resulted in tremendous power savings as people have reduced the use of electricity so that consumption remains within 200 units and they get free power,” he said.

The resultant saved power is diverted for industrial use which boosts the economy, said Surel and added that despite providing free electricity and water to people, the budget is surplus. In Goa people are not given any service for free and yet the Goa budget is inevitably a deficit budget, he added.

“In Delhi those consuming between 200 units to 400 units get 50 per cent subsidy on the bill,” he said adding that this has resulted in major reduction in consumption as people have stopped wasting power to avail the cash benefits in terms of lower or no bill.

In contrast, Goa has recently increased its power purchase cost per unit which will increase the bill amount, he said. 

“If Goa follows the Delhi example then it would benefit not only the people but also the State. The reduced power consumption amongst the people will enable the Goa government to utilise the saved power for industrial purpose,” he said.

Surel asserted that the will to succeed and do something different has to be strong in the government and added that Delhi has plugged all the leakages including a total clampdown on corruption which helped the Electricity Department make profits.

“Just like Goa which gets electricity from other States, Delhi also does not produce its own power and hence the Delhi model could be replicated in the State with excellent results,” he said 

“If need be, we will arrange for a trip of Chief Minister and Power Minister to Delhi for them to study the model. We will help and guide them to do it in Goa. Unfortunately, neither they have the intentions nor will to provide good governance to Goa and are rather busy working day and night for the corporates,” he alleged.