If there is an unscheduled power cut beyond one hour in any area, private power distribution companies (discoms) have to compensate consumers with Rs 50 for the second hour and a higher amount for subsequent hours of a blackout, said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday.
If the power cut goes beyond two hours, the discoms will have to pay Rs 100 per hour as compensation to each consumer, he said at an event organised by The Week magazine to honour a woman activist.
“This is to bring more accountability to the power companies. With private power discoms, consumers should get better facilities,” said Kejriwal.
The Chief Minister claimed reports show the Capital has seen the least number of power cuts this year in comparison to the last three years.
“We have worked out the weekly plans during summer. From the reports received, Delhi has seen the lease number of power cuts compared to the past three years. The companies have been informed they have to inform us 15 days in advance for the scheduled power cuts in the given areas.”
Kejriwal hit out at economists for criticising his government’s decision to give out subsidies on electricity and water bills. Out of a budget of Rs 40,000 crore, the government has spent around Rs 1,700 on subsidies, he said.
“If I was giving subsidies worth Rs 20,000 crore, I could have been accused of financial impropriety. We have earned enough revenue to provide subsidies,” said Kejriwal.
He had attracted criticism for clamping down on corruption, he said. Despite having put an end to transfer postings and raids, the government has increased revenue generation, he said.
“People are paying taxes because they know their money would now be properly used by the government,” he said.
The government will also carry out infrastructure upgradation across all government-run schools in a phased manner. In the first phase, model schools will be developed and the existing schools will also be upgraded, Chief Minister said.
The government would also invite suggestions from NGOs to achieve gender sensitivity across all classes of people.
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