By Our Chief Reporter
Panaji (Goa) Hours after introducing the new tariff rate, Goa government today rolled it back partially providing relief to middle-class consumers.
State Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar during a press conference today announced that the hike in the power tariff up to 200 units for the domestic consumers would be rolled back completely, while increased tariff for some segments will continue.
Madkaikar also stated that the hike in the tariff for agricultural sector would also be rolled back in toto.
The rise in the power tariff which was implemented from April 01 onwards had met with the opposition from various leaders including those from ruling benches. State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had threatened to protest on the streets, if the hike is not withdrawn.
Goa government had introduced the hike in the tariff based on the recommendations of Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).
Madkaikar today said that for the domestic consumers, the charges up to 200 units per month would continue to be the same while the tariff for the units above 200 will be hiked from Rs 2.45 to Rs 2.65 per unit.
The minister said that the hike in tariff was prescribed as State requires the funds to create better infrastructure for electricity supply in the State. “The people expects us to give uninterrupted power supply for which we need to create the infrastructure,” he said.
