Govt to consider compound interest waiver on pending power bills: Minister

Patna: Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav on Thursday said the state govt would consider waiving the compound interest charged on outstanding electricity bills. He was responding to questions raised by MLAs during a call attention motion in the legislative assembly during the ongoing budget session.

Several MLAs expressed concern over the growing burden of unpaid electricity dues and escalating compound interest charges. “The govt recognises the strain caused by surcharges and is committed to providing relief,” the minister said.


He, however, clarified that consumers must pay the principal amount. “The govt is sympathetically considering the interest charged on outstanding amounts,” he said.

CM thumps desk: An interesting scene unfolded during a discussion on an old case related to the revenue and land reforms department when CM Nitish Kumar thumped the desk in support of deputy CM and the department’s minister Vijay Kumar Sinha’s response.

CPI(M) MLA Ajay Kumar raised alleged irregularities in an old land measurement case in Samastipur and demanded strict action against the officials concerned. In reply, minister Sinha said the govt would not tolerate negligence in land survey and measurement matters. The chief minister thumped the desk endorsing Sinha’s firm stance. The minister assured necessary action.

Responding to a question from Barauli MLA Manjeet Singh, Sinha said land disputes would not be allowed to become a curse for future generations. He added that the land survey is progressing rapidly and a target has been set to complete it within the next two years.

Arsenic and MLA’s dress: CM Nitish Kumar’s remark on RJD MLA Bhai Birendra’s colourful attire created a lighter moment when the Maner MLA raised concerns over rising arsenic levels in water in his constituency. Birendra said sarcastically, “You’re the one who gave it. You forget it after giving it to your younger brother.”

PHED minister Sanjay Kumar Singh said the water in the area was tested on Feb 9 and the arsenic level was below the acceptable limit of 0.01 mg/L. Virendra alleged that officials had given incorrect information. “I live in the area and know that many people have developed health complications due to arsenic in water,” he said. Speaker Prem Kumar said Birendra appeared healthy and the govt would take care of the people.

Lauriya MLA Vinay Bihari said Speaker Prem Kumar should be awarded the Padma Shri since he is the first leader in the country to win nine consecutive elections from an urban constituency.