New reforms are being introduced in the Andhra to uplift people from the crisis. The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, which met on Thursday, approved the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of free power aid for agricultural connections and decided to execute it on a pilot basis in Srikakulam district before extending it to the rest of the state w.e.f April 1, 2021. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy ensured free power for agriculture would continue to be provided and no connections would be removed.
The government is also ready to discuss all the issues proposed by political parties: KCR
Further, around 1 lakh unauthorized farm power connections will be again regularised. The cost of setting up meters for agriculture power connections will be supported by the government. For operational efficiency, a separate escrow account will be opened in the name of the consumer (farmer), where a free power subsidy in the form of DBT will be credited. As per FRBM rules, the state has to bring in betterment in the free power scheme to uplift the farm sector.
Andhra Pradesh government bans online games like poker and rummy
According to an official release, the Chief Minister explained during the Cabinet meeting that with new reforms in the power sector with regard to agricultural connections, one will know to what extent free power is being used and how much is being spent for it. “Farmers will pay to discoms the amount credited to their account, which will give them the right to question the discoms if there is no proper power supply. It will ensure accountability, transparency and responsibility. It will also help discoms stabilize financially,” he was quoted saying in the meeting.
Andhra govt takes this step to handle the pressure of COVID crisis!