Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: As part of its plan of increasing the doemstic consumption of electricity, the government has prioritized the distribution of electricity free of cost to the poor and underprivileged.
The Common Minimum Program of the ruling coalition states that the government will provide 20 units of electricity free of cost to the poor and underprivileged families every month. Currently, consumers using 20 units of electricity are paying Rs 30 as an electricity tariff. Building on this system, the government plans to exempt the poor who use less than 20 units of electricity from paying any tariff.
This initiative is expected to provide relief to low-income groups.
The government is also planning to reduce electricity tariffs for consumers using up to 50 units of electricity per month. The government has also included a program for providing a discount of 80% on irrigation electricity tariffs during the rainy season and 20% in the winter season. Currently, the government offers a 50% discount on the tariff for electricity used in irrigation.
The government plans to utilize all resources and means to prevent desertification in the Terai/Madhes region by effectively implementing the Chure conservation program.
Similarly, the government aims at implementing the policy of multi-purpose use and integrated development of large rivers. The implementation will be based on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to ensure that the development of rivers is done sustainably, with minimal negative environmental impact, reads the Common Minimum Program document.
(With inputs from RSS)
