category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh In a significant decision benefiting the rural community, Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal announced to provide electricity connections to deras-dhanis situated within a 3-kilometer radius of village Phirni. Earlier in year 2016, the present government had made provisions to offer connections to even 10 households within a 1-kilometer radius of Phirni. The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference here today. Urban Local Bodies Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta also present on this occasion. He said that if any households still remain without electricity, they could opt for solar connections. The government will offer a 50 percent capital subsidy on solar connection. The state government is committed to ensuring that every household has access to electricity, he added. He also announced that even Bechirag villages, which are not in proximity to Phirni, would also be given electricity connection. The government has reserved connections for such 200-300 villages. He also revealed that now there would be no service connection charges for distances up to 300 meters. Beyond 300 meters, only 50 percent of the cost of the length of HT, LT line will be taken from the consumers, and the remaining cost will be borne by the Power corporation. After the first 150 meters, the entire connection cost was charged from the consumer. This is a significant departure from the previous practice where the entire connection cost was charged to consumers after the first 150 meters, he added. The Chief Minister also highlighted that in cases where existing electricity connections rely on wooden poles or similar infrastructure, the Power corporation would provide the necessary infrastructure. This move aims to alleviate the issue of low voltage. For low voltage connection where the length of low tension line needs to be extended up to 300 meters from the distribution transformer, the service connection charge will be the same as that charged for releasing a new connection or increasing the load. The Chief Minister revealed that the government had formulated a policy for granting licenses for power infrastructure development. Under this policy, land for new power stations must be provided before construction begins. 50 percent of the required funding must be deposited before housing plans receive approval. The remaining 50 percent should be deposited within two years or before the occupation certificate is granted, whichever is earlier. After developing the infrastructure, individual connections will be provided by the department. (editor dailyworld.in)