Patna: Chief Minister of Bihar Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday announced free electricity to small farmers who owns up to five acres of land for agriculture purpose. He also promises to double the cap if he get a chance to continue as CM of Bihar.
CM Manjhi said, “I will call a meeting of the state cabinet in a day or two to approve the proposal of providing free electricity to small farmers owning up to five acres for agricultural purpose.”
Notify that Manjhi is locked in a power struggle with Nitish Kumar and has to prove his strength in the Assembly on February 20.
He said in his speech after inaugurating ‘Agro Bihar 2015’ which has been organized by Agriculture Department.
He said, “If I get another chance, free electricity to farmers for farm purposes would be doubled for up to 10 acres.”
He also said the spelling out the rationale for providing free electricity at present people “manage” the payment of energy bill by giving bribe to officials so it is better to make it free for small farmers.
Sending the audience into peels of laughter, he said, “Against a bill of Rs 5000 they pay a bribe of Rs 2000 to officials to settle it and the state government gets nothing in its kitty.”
In a bid to remove the middlemen, CM Manjhi said that he would direct officials to give the subsidy on purchase of farm equipment directly in bank account of farmers after certifying that they have bought ISI brand machine from any shop.
Manjhi promised to enhance subsidy for SC/ST communities to the purchase of farm equipment to 80 per cent from about 60 per cent at present. Notify that they are core support base of Manjhi.
Meanwhile Narendra Singh, Agriculture Minister of Bihar had slammed former Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar and claimed him an “anti-farmer” and said he is “trying to destabilize” the government of Manjhi.
He also said that CM Manjhi and his government is working for the welfare of poor and farmers.
Bureau Report
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