Another pre-poll bonanza by Mulayam:flat rate for powerlooms

Lucknow, June 20 (UNI) Hard on the heels of launching unemployment allowance for educated youth, the Uttar Pradesh government today announced flat power tariffs for powerlooms operating in the state.

A few months ago, UP had announced flat rate for power being supplied to farmers for running irrigation sets.

Announcing the decision here, state power minister Shivapal Singh Yadav said while the move would put an additional load of Rs 30 crore per annum on the state exchequer, it would help over 25,000 families (three lakh looms).

Power looms with a reed space of less than 60 inches in the urban areas would have to pay Rs 65, while bigger looms would pay Rs 130 per month as flat rate on power consumed. In the rural areas, the flat rate applicable would be Rs 37.50 per month and Rs 75 per month respectively.

Weavers using more than one loom in urban areas would have to pay an addition Rs 130 per month per loom, while in rural areas the amount would be Rs 75 per loom per month.

The weavers would also be allowed to maintain one source of light and fan with an additional payment.

While the cable for a power connection would have to be provided by weavers, the expenditure on installation of meters would be borne by the government. ''The reading of the meter would be registered twice every year to help the government establish the actual expenditure.'' Speaking on the occasion, state health and family welfare minister Ahmed Hassan said when Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav had announced the scheme, leaders from Congress had laughed it off.

''This is yet another promise the state government has fulfilled,'' he added.

Mr Yadav claimed the power department wold also look into suggestions that handloom weavers also get benefit from the scheme.

''We are looking into the demands and would come out with an announcement soon,'' he claimed.

Last week, the CM had launched unemployment allowance scheme for graduate and post-graduate unemployment youth. The beneficiaries would get Rs 50 per month allowance.

The unemployment scheme and flat power rate for powerlooms are being seen as an effort by the Samajwaqdi Party-led government to perpare for the assembly elections due in UP early next year.

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