Bihar Government Opposes Free Electricity Amid Subsidy Efforts

The Bihar government announced it will not provide free electricity, despite heavy subsidies already in place. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav stated the state has sanctioned significant funds for power subsidies and plans to complete the installation of smart prepaid meters statewide by 2025, despite opposition criticism.

The Bihar government has made it clear that it will not offer free electricity to consumers, even though power is already heavily subsidised. This decision was affirmed by Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav during a press conference on Thursday.

Yadav reiterated that the state has allocated substantial funds—Rs 13,114 crore in 2023-24, increasing to Rs 15,343 crore in the current fiscal—for subsidising electricity. 'We have maintained this stance for several years and continue to provide electricity at heavily subsidised rates,' he stated.

The minister also addressed the progress in installing smart prepaid meters, noting that 50 lakh meters have been installed so far, with the process expected to finish by 2025. Rebates are available for consumers who recharge their meters in advance, he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)