Chief Minister's Call to Action: Relinquish Power Subsidies for a Fairer Society

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urges affluent citizens to forgo electricity subsidies, supporting state development. He set an example by relinquishing his own, prompting Cabinet and Congress MLAs to do likewise. Sukhu emphasizes reserving subsidies for the needy and driving economic growth through collective efforts.

In a significant move, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu voluntarily gave up the subsidies on all five power connections registered in his name on Wednesday. He called on affluent citizens with multiple electricity connections to do the same, in a bid to aid the state's development.

After submitting necessary documents to Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board chairman Sanjay Gupta, Sukhu urged wealthy residents to follow his lead by utilizing the board's online portal, helpline numbers, or visiting local electricity sub-divisions.

During a press conference, Sukhu announced that Cabinet members and Congress MLAs also agreed to forgo their subsidies after detailed discussions. He emphasized that the government spends Rs 2,200 crore annually on electricity subsidies and Rs 200 crore monthly on electricity board employee salaries. Sukhu stated that subsidies should be reserved for the financially needy, advocating for the affluent's contribution to a fairer society.

(With inputs from agencies.)