Free electricity to farmers (Andhra Pradesh)

Free electricity to farmers is a subsidised free electricity scheme provided by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It was the dream concept of Late Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Green Andhra Pradesh was his vision.[1] It provides 7 hours of power to the fields in a day. It has spent about 6000 crores in 2013.[2]

History

After the Congress party made a promise to the electorate, as soon as he swore in as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy on 14 May 2004, he signed the scheme.[3][4][5][6]

The scheme announced before the polls was a major promise in the 2004 assembly elections. The initial subsidy bill was Rs. 400 crores.

References

1. "Free power to farmers will continue, says AP CM". @businessline. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
2. "Will free power ruin Congress in Andhra Pradesh?". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
3. Menon, Amarnath K. (7 June 2004). "Andhra Pradesh CM Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy orders free power to state farmers". India Today. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
4. "Andhra Pradesh News: No free electricity to farmers who waste it, says YSR". The Hindu. 4 November 2005. Retrieved 6 March 2019.^[dead link‍]
5. "The Hindu Business Line : 'Free power to farmers in AP an economic compulsion'". www.thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
6. "Reddy orders free power to AP farmers, waives dues". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 6 March 2019.