Taking another step towards self-reliance in the field of power generation, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday announced the establishment of an additional 800 megawatt (MW) Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Unit at the Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant in Khedar, Hisar, at a cost of Rs 7,250 crore.

Saini, addressing the gathering while launching the Additional Subsidy Scheme in the State under ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme’ at a state-level function in Ambala, said that this initiative will enable Haryana to achieve self-reliance in power generation in the near future. He also distributed certificates to the beneficiaries of the scheme on this occasion.

‘Monthly minimum charge of electricity abolished, Electricity bill to be based on number of units consumed’

In another important announcement, the Chief Minister declared the abolition of monthly minimum charge for electricity. From now on, residents of the State will receive bills based solely on the number of units of electricity consumed, providing much-needed relief to electricity consumers, he added.

Launching the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme’, the Chief Minister said that under this scheme, a subsidy of Rs 60,000 will be provided by the Central Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for setting up a rooftop solar plant for poor families with an income of less than Rs 1.80 lakhs. Additionally, a subsidy of Rs 50,000 will be provided by the State Government. Although the cost of installing a rooftop solar plant is Rs 1.10 lakhs, the consumer will not have to spend anything from their pocket.

Similarly, families with an income between Rs 1.80 lakhs and Rs three lakh will receive a subsidy of Rs 60,000 from the Central Government and Rs 20,000 from the State Government. The Chief Minister said that PM Modi resolved to start this scheme on January 22, 2024, from the holy land of Ayodhya.

“Today, this scheme is being implemented in the State. The Prime Minister aims to install solar rooftop plants on one crore houses through this scheme, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible individuals who register first on the portal will receive the benefits of the scheme first,” he added.

He said that the Prime Minister is dedicated to uplifting the most marginalized individuals in society. Over the past 10 years, PM Modi has worked to empower the poor and lift them out of poverty through various welfare schemes. During this period, 25 crore poor families have been elevated above the poverty line in a planned manner. The 'Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme,' launched today in the state, is another step in strengthening the poor. This double-engine government is fully committed to realizing the Prime Minister's vision.

Criticizes Oppn for politicizing issue of electricity in State

Taking a dig at the opposition, the Chief Minister criticized previous governments for politicizing the issue of electricity in the state. He noted that rallies were organized, and promises of 24-hour electricity were made, but the opposition failed to deliver on these promises after securing votes from the innocent people of the state.

In contrast, the current administration launched the Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon Yojana in a planned manner, ensuring 24-hour electricity supply to every village in Haryana today. The Chief Minister condemned opposition leaders for misleading the public by advising them not to pay electricity bills with false promises of bill forgiveness once in power. These leaders gained power through deception but never fulfilled their promises. The Chief Minister asserted that it is the double-engine government of the Center and Haryana that has put an end to this type of dishonest politics.

‘7500 eligible people received allotment and possession for their plots’

Highlighting recent initiatives, the Chief Minister mentioned the allotment of 100-square-yard plots to poor families in Sonipat. The government not only passed the Bill for this in the Assembly but also made a separate budget provision. Recently, more than 7,500 eligible people received allotment or possession for their plots. Where Panchayats lack available land, eligible individuals received Rs one lakh in their accounts to purchase plots.

Additionally, the HAPPY Yojana was also launched, providing free bus travel for 84 lakh people from 23 lakh families with incomes less than Rs one lakh. Each person can travel up to 1,000 km per year on Haryana Roadways buses. The Chief Minister said that after taking oath for the third time, PM Modi released Rs 20,000 crore to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. The State Government has ensured college facilities for girls within a 20 km radius and is bearing the education costs for girls from families with incomes less than Rs 1.80 lakh, he added.