The Maharashtra Government will concentrate on improving rural water and agri-pump infrastructure: Devendra Fadnavis,

Devendra Fadnavis, the Deputy Chief Minister, revealed the new government's plan to revive the struggling energy sector on Wednesday, just days after the Shinde-Fadnavis administration took office. The plan specifically focuses on aiding the cash-strapped state-run distribution company Maha Vitaran, whose arrears have reached a record Rs 73,000 crore and liabilities of Rs 45,000 crore. Despite the fact that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has not yet expanded his cabinet, Fadnavis outlined the government's plan of action.

 

Further, Fadnavis stated that the government would expedite the agriculture solar power supply scheme for the benefit of the farmers and that close to 30% of agricultural feeders would be powered by solar energy. The government will focus on bolstering the availability of electricity in rural areas, providing farmers with agricultural pumps, and further enhancing the water supply, he added.

 

"Due to non-payment, power has been cut off to some villages. We had a meeting today in this regard. The CM Solar Krishi Vahini Yojana was launched in 2018 by our (the BJP-led government) to provide electricity to farmers during the day. We had finished about 200 MW of work at that point. Therefore, some work was being done when it was later stopped. This plan is currently moving quickly once more. In the coming year, we've decided how to switch at least 30 percent of agricultural feeders to solar power. According to Fadnavis, we are submitting the entire plan for the Chief Minister's approval.

 

Due to unpaid bills, street lights and drinking water schemes are often shut down. Due to rising interest in the electricity bills drawn for drinking water schemes and street lights, Maha Vitara's arrears are growing. Additionally, there are issues in the villages. As a result, the government will look into a way for the state government to pay those debts, according to Fadnavis.

 

Additionally, the state government and the KUSUM scheme of the Centre will both provide the nearly 1.50 agriculture pumps that have been on hold since 2019. As a result, electricity can be purchased for Rs 3.20 per unit rather than Rs 7 per unit. Furthermore, the NDRF will assist those affected by the flooding and heavy rains.

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @Dev_Fadnavis