Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has urged financially affluent residents and income-tax payers to voluntarily give up the benefit of 125 units of free electricity, saying that those who can afford to pay their electricity bills should contribute towards the state’s development.
The Chief Minister made the appeal while addressing the two-day Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 in Patna on Sunday. He said the state government was spending approximately ₹23,000 crore annually on electricity subsidies, with an estimated expenditure of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per household.
Choudhary appealed to economically comfortable households to forgo the subsidy voluntarily rather than avail themselves of a benefit they may not need.
Bihar Spends Around ₹23,000 Crore Annually on Electricity Subsidies
The Chief Minister pointed out that the 125-unit free electricity benefit was being extended to consumers across economic categories.
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He urged income-tax-paying individuals and financially well-off families to voluntarily surrender the benefit and contribute towards Bihar’s development.
Key points from his appeal include:
- Free electricity benefit: Eligible domestic consumers receive a subsidy covering up to 125 units of electricity per month.
- Annual subsidy expenditure: The state government spends around ₹23,000 crore annually on electricity subsidies, according to the Chief Minister.
- Per-household expenditure: The estimated annual subsidy expenditure is around ₹8,000–₹10,000 per household.
- Voluntary surrender: Affluent households and income-tax payers have been asked to give up the benefit voluntarily.
The appeal does not amount to an announcement that the 125-unit electricity subsidy scheme is being withdrawn or that eligibility rules have been changed.
125 Units of Free Electricity Under Bihar Government Scheme
The Bihar government introduced the 125-unit electricity subsidy for domestic consumers with effect from August 1, 2025, under the Chief Minister Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme.
The state government’s Energy Department records refer to a 100 per cent subsidy on electricity consumption up to 125 units per month for domestic consumers.
The benefit was extended across consumer categories, rather than being restricted to households belonging to a particular income group. Choudhary’s latest appeal seeks voluntary participation from those who are financially capable of forgoing the subsidy.
CM Emphasises Youth’s Role in Strengthening Democracy
Apart from the electricity subsidy issue, Choudhary highlighted the responsibility of young people in preserving democratic values and contributing to nation-building.
He said Bihar’s historical association with democratic traditions made it important for the state’s youth to take an active role in strengthening democratic institutions.
Referring to India’s Independence in 1947, he said the sacrifices of freedom fighters had secured the country’s freedom. As India approaches 80 years of Independence in 2027, he called for renewed commitment to democratic principles.
The Chief Minister also recalled the 1974 movement, noting the significant role played by young people during that period. He said the present generations, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha, should similarly contribute to strengthening the democratic system.
Calls for Annual Youth Parliament
Choudhary emphasised that quality education and the acquisition of knowledge were essential foundations for individual success and prosperity.
He also called for the annual organisation of the youth parliament to familiarise young people with democratic processes, constitutional values and the responsibilities associated with nation-building.
He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 and acknowledged the contribution of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to the state’s development.
The event was attended by Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, MP Shambhavi Choudhary and Pataliputra National Youth Parliament founder Sayan Kunal, among others.
Through his address, the Chief Minister connected the appeal for voluntary surrender of electricity subsidies with a broader message on civic responsibility, democratic participation and the role of young people in Bihar’s development.
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