Major Power Relief in the Making for Weavers

Pooja Srivastava

Any Time News Network

The Uttar Pradesh government has indicated a significant relief package for the state’s weaving community. At a high-level meeting held at Khadi Bhawan in Lucknow, the proposal to expand the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Powerloom Weaver Electricity Flat Rate Scheme from 0–5 kW to 0–20 kW was discussed in detail. The meeting was chaired by Khadi, Village Industries, Silk, Handloom and Textile Minister Rakesh Sachan, in the presence of Ministers Ravindra Jaiswal and Danish Azad Ansari. Weaver representatives from several districts raised concerns regarding electricity tariffs, subsidy adjustments, metering issues, load enhancement, new connections and long-pending dues. ### Protection for small weavers assured The government clarified that the existing benefits for nearly 95,000 small weavers in the 0–5 kW category will remain unaffected. The proposed expansion is expected to bring 5–20 kW powerloom units under the ambit of the flat-rate scheme. ### Bigger relief, bigger fiscal commitment At present, the state spends about ₹600 crore annually on the scheme. If the expansion is approved, an additional ₹189 crore may be required, taking the total annual financial commitment to nearly ₹789 crore. ### Hope for settlement of old electricity dues The meeting also focused on arrears pending up to 31 March 2023, delayed payment surcharge and interest-related issues. Weaver representatives claimed that substantial dues continue to appear in many accounts despite government subsidy support. Options such as installment-based repayment, waiver of interest and a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme were discussed. ### Special district-level drive proposed A proposal was made to launch a special campaign in August under which weavers will be able to get their electricity bills verified and corrected at district-level power department offices. Minister Rakesh Sachan reiterated that the Yogi government is committed to protecting weavers’ interests and strengthening the handloom and powerloom sector. He said the final decision would be taken after a comprehensive examination of financial implications, departmental data and the suggestions received from stakeholders, with special emphasis on ensuring that small weavers are not burdened by avoidable electricity costs.