‘Punjab State Farmers’ Policy’ draft

Punjab Economy

The Punjab State Farmers’ and Farm Workers’ Commission wants free electricity to big farmers to go and power subsidy rationalised to reduce the unsustainable use of groundwater. “Power subsidy will be strictly restricted to non-income tax payee farmers,” it has suggested in its draft ‘Punjab State Farmers’ Policy’.
It says that to begin with, a flat rate of Rs 100/hp/per month be charged from farmers owning 4 hectares (9.88 acres of land) or more. “Subsequently, consider rationing the power subsidy to a financial cap.”
Also, the government has been asked to explore the option of power subsidy via direct benefit transfer.
Regarding free power to domestic consumers, the commission has proposed that this be confined to socially and economically backward sections in villages.