Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Discusses Maharashtra’s Electricity Bill Issues and New Budget Plans

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 1: Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (Mahadiscom) is facing Rs 89,321 crore in pending electricity bills as of March 2024. This information was shared in response to a question by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi in the Maharashtra assembly.

Fadnavis explained that out of the total pending amount, Rs 58,776 crore is for unpaid bills and Rs 30,545 crore is the interest on these bills. He emphasized the importance of regular bill payments, noting that power supply is cut off for significant overdue amounts as per Article 56 of the Electricity Act. Camps are organized to help consumers with smaller dues pay their pending bills.

In addition to discussing the electricity bill issues, Fadnavis praised the state budget presented by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The budget includes several benefits for different sections of society, such as Rs 1,500 per month for women aged 21 to 60 under the ‘Mukhyanantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, free electricity for farmers, and three free gas cylinders per year for all households.

Ajit Pawar also announced a Rs 5,000 per hectare bonus for cotton and soybean farmers, a Rs 5 per litre bonus for milk-producing farmers, and increased monetary help for deaths due to animal attacks from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. The monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, which began on June 28, will continue until July 12.