Most ryots in favour of DBT scheme: AP Government
THE Direct Benefit Transfer scheme in the State of Andhra Pradesh is now closer to reality for the agrarian sect with farmers in 13 districts giving a nod to the scheme.
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Hyderabad: THE Direct Benefit Transfer scheme in the State of Andhra Pradesh is now closer to reality for the agrarian sect with farmers in 13 districts giving a nod to the scheme.
According to the State government, around 92 per cent of total surveyed farmers have given their consent to the power utilities to implement the DBT scheme.
As per government officials, the power utilities will go forward with the execution only after obtaining willingness from farmers to implement the DBT in free power scheme.
Under the scheme, the government will ensure that quality power is provided to the agrarian lands for 9 hours during day. The plan also involves Discoms to analyse overloading issue and identifying low voltages.
At present, the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has a fixed tariff of Rs 5.73 per unit on an average for agricultural power supply. However, with the implementation of this scheme, there will not be any burden on the farmers as the government shall bear the entire amount in the form of subsidy.
Energy Department Secretary, Srikant Nagulapalli has assured Energy Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy that the State government took every stride to safeguard the interests of farmers.
"Under this scheme, the farmers will clearly know up to what extent they are using the free power and how much is being spent for it. This will certainly improve transparency and accountability among power utilities and provide right to demand for farmers," Minister said.
The minister has also said that awareness campaign will be undertaken by officials to clarify the doubts that the farmers may have before and after the implementation of the scheme.
