3000 villages to get 24-hour power supply in 4 months

The demand under the scheme will be met through the 11 KVA Amran feeder. The feeder covers nine villages.

Patel said the state government has decided to cover villages with population less than 3,000 under the project. Charges for villages to join the project will be proportionate to their population.

No additional charges will be levied on villages to join the scheme.

He said the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) has decided to scrape the prevailing billing system in the state by considering the load factor used by the consumer.

Patel said the Joytee Gram Yojna is aimed to boost the rural economy. To eliminate the low voltage problem in rural areas, 71 sub stations will be commissioned this year.

The minister said the total debt of GEB has reached Rs 7,000 crore because of nonpayment of bills and power theft. By enforcing the anti-theft drive throughout the state, Rs 80 crore has been recovered till date, he added.

Nanubhai Vanani, president of the Gujarat Diamond Association, Surat, said the scheme will revive the diamond cutting industries of Saurashtra, which is almost dead since 1985 following irregular power supply and low voltage.