People below poverty line should be given free electricity: Energy Minister Bhusal

Published On: July 27, 2021 11:20 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, July 27: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal said that the government is preparing to bring a policy to provide special facilities to the people living below the poverty line.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Minister Bhusal said the ministry is considering the possibility of providing people living under the poverty line with free electricity.

Stating that the energy sector is the basic premise for moving forward in economic development based on social justice, Minister Bhusal said that energy is the raw material for economic and industrial development. “Its consumption should be ensured in the country,” she said.

Minister Bhusal stressed on the need to focus on making development plans so that the electricity generated in Nepal can be used in Nepal. She said that a policy will be formulated to reconsider the rate of electricity. "Our electricity rates are expensive," she said. “According to general economics, the higher the production, the lower the rate but it is not like this in Nepal. Electricity tariff should be adjusted.”

Stating that the private sector has contributed to the state by investing heavily in the energy sector, she said, "We should protect the private sector. The government is also their guardian. ”

She mentioned that the time has come for the energy sector to contribute to the property rights of the people.

Stressing on the need for the government to build large reservoir and semi-reservoir projects that have completed surveys and already have detailed project reports (DPR), she said, "I have come to the conclusion that large reservoir projects should be constructed with the investment of the people and other sectors."

Minister Bhusal said that the country would be able to gain a lot if people start using electricity for cooking instead of using LP gas imported by paying dollars. “Electricity would be made available to the people and areas that have not been electrified by connecting the central transmission line as soon as possible,” she added.