Ranchi- A proposal by the Jharkhand government to raise electricity tariffs by an average of 60 per cent for the 2026–27 fiscal year has ignited widespread resistance.
The tariff petition filed by the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) before the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) seeks hefty hikes for domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural consumers. The commission has admitted the petition, and public hearings are expected soon.
As per the proposal, domestic electricity prices could increase significantly, reaching Rs 10.30 per unit. Rural domestic rates may shoot up from Rs 6.70 to Rs 10.20 per unit, while urban domestic tariffs could rise from Rs 6.85 to Rs 10.30 per unit. Industrial consumers may face rates as high as Rs 9.10 per unit.
Agricultural irrigation charges may also jump from Rs 5.30 per unit to between Rs 9 and Rs 10 per unit, which could heavily impact farming costs.
The proposed tariff hike has drawn intense criticism from various quarters, including the BJP and the Jharkhand Federation of Chambers and Industries.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo condemned the move as an economic burden on the people, accusing the Hemant Soren-led government of failing its promises of providing affordable electricity. He said the government is now overburdening farmers, small traders, and middle-class households.
Shahdeo pointed out that the hike amounts to about 30 per cent for rural and urban domestic consumers, while farmers would face nearly a 60 per cent increase.
“Agriculture is already becoming unaffordable. Such a steep increase in irrigation tariffs will break farmers’ backs,” he remarked.
He further alleged that the government has become insensitive to public hardship and warned that the rising financial pressure on citizens may trigger major public unrest.
The Jharkhand Federation of Chambers and Industries also slammed the proposal, calling it “anti-people” and “impractical,” and vowed to strongly oppose it during the upcoming hearings.
With inputs from IANS