New Delhi, March 28: The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 covers amendments related to power sector and there is no amendment proposal related to agriculture sector, the Parliament was told on Tuesday. Power Minister R.K. Singh gave the assurance in response to a question in Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

"Further, the provision of subsidy as in the present Act i.e. Electricity Act, 2003 is not proposed to be changed and the states can continue to give subsidy to farmers and other consumers as they are doing at present," he said. Union Power Minister RK Singh Says Rs 90,000 Crore Relief for DISCOMs Will Improve Viability of Sector.

As per Electricity Act, 2003, the subsidy to specific categories of consumers including domestic and farmers is decided by state governments. The proposed legislation is currently under consideration of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy, which is headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Power Minister RK Singh Dismisses Reports of Coal Crisis in India, Says Surge in Energy Demand Signals Recovery of Economy.

Last year during the Monsoon session, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Committee by the power minister, immediately after being introduced in Lok Sabha, amid protests by opposition that it encroached upon powers of states and allows privatisation of electricity on the lines of communication sector.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2023 09:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).