BRS leader T Harish Rao
Expressing concern that the new discom could be used to dilute govt’s commitment to providing free electricity to farmers, Harish demanded a clear, written assurance that 24-hour free power would continue without any reduction. He alleged that govt had allocated only 25% of the thermal power to the discom, which, he said, would be insufficient to ensure a reliable supply for agricultural needs and the operation of lift irrigation schemes. “According to the figures mentioned in GO 17, around 30.63 lakh connections are proposed to be transferred to the new organisation. These include 30,60,861 agricultural connections, 512 lift irrigation schemes, and connections linked to HMWSSB and Mission Bhagiratha. How such a large network could be managed with just around 2,000 employees?” he asked.
Harish said the Congress govt had ignored objections raised by BRS, other political parties, electricity employees’ unions, power sector experts, social activists and farmers. He said govt should have addressed their concerns before issuing the order. Hyderabad: Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao opposed the Congress govt’s decision to establish a separate rythu discom, demanding that the state govt withdraw the order immediately and explain how the new arrangement would benefit farmers.