Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday appealed to financially well-off people and income taxpayers in the state to voluntarily give up the benefit of 125 units of free electricity. The state government spends around Rs 23,000 crore annually on power subsidies.
Addressing the two-day Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 in Patna, Choudhary urged affluent households to forgo the benefit and contribute towards Bihar's development. The Bihar government provides 125 units of free electricity to consumers across economic categories.
"Financially well-off and income-tax-paying people should voluntarily give up the free electricity benefit and contribute towards Bihar's development," he said.
Choudhary said the subsidy costs the government around Rs 23,000 crore every year, with an expenditure of Rs 8,000-10,000 per household.
CHOUDHARY PRAISES YOUTH, PM MODI
At the event, Choudhary also highlighted the role of young people in strengthening democracy, preserving India's cultural heritage and contributing to the country's development.
"Youths have a crucial role to play in strengthening democracy, preserving the country's civilisation and cultural heritage, and building a developed India," the Chief Minister said.
Recalling India's Independence struggle, Choudhary said the country attained freedom in 1947 through the sacrifices and struggles of freedom fighters. "As the country approaches the completion of 80 years of Independence, there is a need to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening democratic values," he said.
He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards making India a developed nation by 2047 and credited former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with making significant contributions to the state's development.
Emphasising the importance of education, Choudhary said quality learning and the acquisition of knowledge were the foundations of success and prosperity.
He also called for the annual organisation of the youth parliament to connect young people with democratic processes, constitutional values and nation-building.
The event was attended by Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, MP Shambhavi Choudhary and youth parliament founder Sayan Kunal, among others.
Source: PTI