Jain said the AAP government had ensured that the deprived sections of the society got basic amenities free, while taxes were increased for others
NEW DELHI: Power minister Satyendar Jain on Friday said the AAP government would make electricity free for all consumers if the Centre agreed to give Rs 40,000 crore to the state as share from the taxes it collected from the capital’s residents.
Addressing the House after a discussion on reforms in the power sector, Jain said the AAP government had ensured that the deprived sections of the society got basic amenities free, while taxes were increased for others.
“When we formed the government, the chief minister had asked me to ensure that there was no hike in power tariffs for the next 10 years. We managed to do that in five years of our government. I guarantee that the power tariffs will remain the same in future too. If the Centre gives us Rs 40,000 crore as share in central taxes, we will make electricity free for everyone,” Jain said.
Jain further said that the government has managed to fulfill all commitments made to the people, the last one being free internet. He added that PWD on Friday invited bids from companies to provide free Wi-Fi. He hoped that Delhi will start getting the service within 2-3 months.
According to the tender document, the selected company will have to start setting up hotspots within one month of signing the agreement. The company will have to set up 11,000 hotspots within three months in a phased manner. Each consumer will get 15GB free internet monthly with a daily cap of 1.5GB at a minimum speed of 1.3GB per second.
The minister said his government’s next ambitious plan is to provide 24×7 water supply to all residents. Jain, who also holds the charge of the department of irrigation and water supply, said the scheme to store the Yamuna runoff had the potential to save enough water to take care of the city’s annual requirement.
Jain added that the Yamuna, which has virtually turned into a drain, will be cleaned in the next 3-4 years. “We will ensure that no sewer empties into Yamuna. By December 2022, the river will be so clean that you will be able to take a dip where the Najafgarh drains falls now,” the minister said.
Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes
