CM for mid-course review of free power scheme

While making it amply clear that the future of his pet programme of free power to farmers as non-negotiable, chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, however expressed his readiness for the mid-course review of the same.

Addressing a national conference here on 'Free Power to farmers' organised jointly by The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri) and the Union ministry of power on Wednesday, Rajasekhara Reddy sought ideas to make the free power scheme to farmers sustainable.

"We are just four days away from completing six months in office. Therefore, it is a good reason for us to hold mid-course review of all the steps taken by our government, including the free power programme, to take corrective measures wherever necessary," Reddy said while terming debate, discussion and descent as a welcome sign on any issue in a healthy democracy.

Apparently referring to various problems and issues linked to the implementation of the free power scheme, he expressed his readiness to find ways and means to make it sustainable.

"Some people suggested that the corporate farming and rich farmers be excluded from free power scheme. We are prepared to take such corrective measures, but at the same time we are committed to implement the scheme as long as it is required," he pointed out.

Substantiating the government's decision with so many words and statistical data as to why Andhra Pradesh stands out to be a unique case to deserve such subsidisation, Rajasekhara Reddy also sounded caution on the problems like illegal tapping of power.

"The farmers also will have to come forward to make their contribution in this regard. Our ambitious plans on the irrigation front will definitely reduce the dependency on borewell irrigation in the future," he said.