Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has once again teased the impending announcement of a groundbreaking power subsidy scheme for industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada, Maharashtra. Holding the Energy portfolio, Fadnavis hinted that this new policy is on the horizon, set to be revealed before the upcoming general elections.

A Glimpse into the Past

During Devendra Fadnavis previous tenure as Chief Minister, a robust power subsidy policy was introduced. A substantial sum of Rs 1200 crore was allocated to subsidize power bills for industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada, designated as backward regions due to developmental disparities.

The Lacuna in the Scheme

However, the implementation by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) faced a setback. A critical flaw in the scheme was exploited by unscrupulous industries, allegedly in collusion with bureaucracy, leading to an abrupt termination. Initially designed to run until 2024, the scheme collapsed prematurely as some industries misused the subsidy, depleting the entire budgeted amount.

Legal Battles and Advocacy

The fallout saw Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA) filing a PIL in the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, challenging the cessation of the subsidy. VIA argued that despite a budget allocation of Rs 1200 crore, only Rs 600 crore was utilized, and thus, advocated for the revival of the scheme.

Current Legal Status

As the case remains sub judice, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has now hinted at the state’s active consideration of reinstating the power subsidy scheme, promising potential benefits for the region’s residents. VIA, in its affidavit, highlighted the widespread impact on industries that invested heavily in infrastructure and capacity expansion based on the promised subsidy.

The Way Forward

In the midst of this legal tussle, VIA has proposed a precautionary measure to the State Government. They recommend imposing a cap on individual subsidies applicable to each industry, aiming to prevent misuse and ensure the subsidy’s longevity as envisioned in the initial policy.

FAQs – Navigating the Power Subsidy Maze

1. What led to the termination of the initial power subsidy scheme? The scheme faced an untimely demise due to alleged misuse by some industries, particularly in the Jalna region, in collusion with bureaucracy.
2. Why did VIA approach the Bombay High Court? VID sought legal intervention after the abrupt cessation of the subsidy, arguing that only half of the allocated funds were utilized, justifying the need for the scheme’s revival.
3. What is Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis’s stance on the power subsidy scheme now? Fadnavis, holding the Energy portfolio, has hinted at the active consideration of reviving the power subsidy, signaling potential relief for industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada.
4. How has the industry been impacted by the subsidy halt? Industries, relying on the promised subsidy, have faced financial burdens due to the sudden stoppage, leading to increased interest expenses.
5. What precautionary measure has VIA proposed to the State Government? VIA suggests placing a cap on individual subsidies per industry to prevent misuse and ensure the subsidy’s sustained application as per the initial policy.
6. What infrastructure investments were made based on the power subsidy policy? Many industries invested heavily in upgrading infrastructure and expanding capacity, anticipating the continued availability of the power subsidy.

As the legal battle unfolds, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis’s indication of revisiting the power subsidy scheme offers a glimmer of hope for the industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada. The proposed safeguards from VIA, if implemented, could pave the way for a more sustainable and misuse-resistant subsidy system, fostering growth and development in these regions.