Bengal's Smart Meter Drive & Full Village Electrification

25 Aug 2023 CW Team

Aroop Biswas, the state power minister, announced during today's Assembly session that the state power department intends to install 3.5 million smart meters. Responding to a query, he also shared that approximately 7.34 million individuals have been included in the Hashir Alo scheme.

He emphasized that every village in Bengal now has access to electricity, with new connections being granted within a week of application. Minister Pulak Roy, responsible for public health engineering, stated that strict measures will be implemented against those who demand payment for providing water connections in rural areas. This concern was raised in the morning Assembly session.

Several members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) alleged that certain dishonest officials were requesting Rs 10,000 for water connections. Mr. Roy clarified that no fees are levied for water connections and encouraged the MLAs to stay watchful and file official reports against anyone making such demands. He also urged the MLAs to be vigilant against individuals illicitly drawing water, which has led to water shortages in some villages. Mr. Roy reiterated that comprehensive actions have been initiated to ensure a supply of drinking water to every rural household by the year 2024-25.

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