Charges would be borne by government: Ajeya Kallam

VISAKHAPATNAM: Chief advisor to the state government

Ajeya Kallam

on Wednesday assured that there will be no burden on

farmers

availing free power.

The advisor said that discoms will be installing smart metres for agriculture sector and usage charges will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers.

“The state government will be introducing the direct

electricity

cash transfer system. Every month, the meter reading will be sent to

the finance department

which will immediately transfer the amount to the farmers’ bank accounts. This can be redeemed by the discoms,” said Kallam.

“Several states, including AP and Telangana, had objected to some components included in the draft Electricity

Bill

but the state government formulated a new policy that fits within the guidelines of the Union Government,” the chief advisor said .