Jharkhand: Proposal to hike power tariffs by 60 pc faces stiff opposition, BJP warns of agitation
Ranchi, Dec 2
The Jharkhand government's proposal to increase electricity tariffs by an average of 60 per cent for the financial year 2026-27 has triggered massive opposition in the state.
The Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), in its tariff petition submitted to the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC), has sought steep hikes across domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural categories.
The commission has admitted the petition, and public hearings are likely to begin soon.
According to the proposal, domestic tariff rates could rise sharply -- from the current level to Rs 10.30 per unit. Rural households may see rates climb from Rs 6.70 to Rs 10.20 per unit, while urban domestic tariffs could rise from Rs 6.85 to Rs 10.30 per unit.
Commercial and industrial consumers also face substantial hikes, with the industrial tariff proposed at Rs 9.10 per unit.
For agricultural irrigation, the rate may jump from Rs 5.30 per unit to between Rs 9 and Rs 10 per unit. If the proposal is accepted, it will significantly raise farming costs.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from several organisations, including the BJP and the Jharkhand Federation of Chambers and Industries.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo called the proposed hike an economic atrocity on the people and accused the Hemant Soren-led government of burdening farmers, small traders, and ordinary consumers.
He said the government, which promised free or cheap power during elections, is now busy emptying the public's pockets.
Shahdeo said the proposed hike amounts to around 30 per cent for rural and urban domestic consumers, while farmers would be hit with a nearly 60 per cent rise.
"Agriculture is already expensive. Such a steep hike in irrigation tariffs will break the backbone of farmers," he added.
He further alleged that the government has become insensitive to public sentiment and warned that the move will push common people into a deeper financial crisis.
Sharing similar concerns, the Jharkhand Federation of Chambers and Industries termed the proposal "anti-people" and "impractical," stating that it will strongly oppose the hike during the upcoming public hearings.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a small business owner in Ranchi, this news is terrifying. Our commercial electricity bill is our biggest overhead. A hike like this will force us to either lay off staff or increase prices for customers. Both are terrible options. The government needs to support local industries, not crush them.
While I understand discoms need revenue, this proposal is too harsh, especially for farmers. My uncle has a small farm in Hazaribagh. Irrigation costs are his biggest worry. A 60% jump will wipe out his profit. The government must find a middle way. Subsidies for agriculture must be protected.
I've lived in Jharkhand for 5 years. The power supply is still very unreliable with frequent cuts. If we are going to pay almost double, we deserve 24/7 reliable power first. Improve the service, then talk about raising prices. It's basic logic.
The BJP is right to oppose this, but let's be honest, all parties make promises of cheap power before elections. This is a pattern. We need a long-term, bipartisan energy policy that doesn't use electricity tariffs as a political football every few years.
Everyone must attend the public hearings and voice their opposition. This is our right. Sitting at home and complaining on social media won't help. We need to show collective strength. Jai Jharkhand!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.