BHOPAL: The residents of illegal colonies can now avail themselves of permanent electricity connections by paying infrastructure costs in instalments.
Until now, the residents of such colonies had to pay the costs upfront to get permanent electricity connections. These costs are normally higher and thus deterred consumers from availing themselves of permanent connections.
The state govt has launched the Sugam Vidhyut (Suvidha) Scheme, 2024 for this purpose. Energy minister Pradhyumn Singh Tomar said that this scheme, designed to address the issues faced by residents of these colonies, will be in effect for two years. Under the scheme’s specified conditions, the infrastructure cost can be paid in instalments. The possibility of extending the scheme will be considered after a review.
As per the provisions of the scheme, the eligible consumers for availing themselves of the benefits under the scheme include new applicants, who are residents of decalred, undeclared illegal colonies and those colonies not registered with RERA, and who wish to have the necessary electrical infrastructure built by electricity distribution companies but are unable to pay the estimated cost in a lump sum.
This scheme applies only to individual applicants and groups of applicants. Housing societies, builders, and colonizers will not be eligible, said official sources.
As per the provisions of the scheme, applicants or groups of applicants must pay at least 25% of the specified amount upfront along with the application. The remaining amount can be paid with interest along with the monthly bill after the connection is activated. Payment can be made over a maximum period of two years.
