In a major initiative to reduce the financial burden on households, the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar, is providing 125 units of free electricity every month to all domestic consumers across both urban and rural areas. On Tuesday, Mr. Kumar addressed the people of Bihar in an online interactive session, where over 16 lakh citizens participated.
Electricity Reforms Since 2005
Speaking during the event, Mr. Kumar reflected on the transformation in Bihar’s power sector. “Before 2005, the condition of electricity in Bihar was extremely poor. Even in places like Pehchan, people received electricity for only seven to eight hours a day,” he said. “After we came to power in November 2005, we began extensive work to improve the state’s power supply. We connected all villages and hamlets to electricity.”
Mr. Kumar highlighted the ‘Har Ghar Bijli Yojana’ launched in 2015 under the Saat Nischay initiative, which ensured electricity reached every household by 2018.
1.89 Crore Consumers Receiving Free Electricity
The Chief Minister stated that 1 crore 89 lakh domestic electricity consumers are currently benefiting from the free electricity scheme. “From the beginning, our government has provided electricity at affordable rates. Now, we’ve taken the step to make it free up to 125 units per month for all domestic users,” he added.
Mr. Kumar also noted the government’s growing focus on renewable energy. “We are now assisting people in installing solar power systems. If you want, solar panels will be installed on your rooftops as well,” he said.
He praised Energy Department Minister Mr. Vijendra Yadav and his team for their efforts in successfully implementing the free electricity scheme across the state.
Government to Promote Rooftop Solar Installations
Energy Minister Mr. Vijendra Yadav provided further details of the government’s financial commitment to the scheme. He announced that an additional Rs. 3,797 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2025–26 under the Chief Minister’s Electricity Consumer Assistance Scheme. He added that the government will bear a total financial burden of Rs. 19,792 crore this year, a figure expected to rise in the coming years.
Mr. Yadav also shared plans to expand the adoption of solar energy across Bihar. Under the new cabinet decision:
- Full financial assistance will be given to Kutir Jyoti (economically weaker) consumers for setting up solar power plants of at least 1.1 kW capacity.
- Partial financial assistance will also be provided to other domestic consumers for solar installations.
- All domestic consumers who consume less electricity will especially benefit from rooftop solar setups.
“This will not only ensure uninterrupted electricity supply but also promote the generation of clean and renewable solar energy in Bihar,” said Mr. Yadav.
A Step Towards Energy Independence
The combined efforts to provide free electricity and promote solar installations are part of the Bihar government’s broader vision to make the state energy-secure and environmentally sustainable. Mr. Kumar concluded his address with a message of continued development and progress: “We are working for the welfare of every citizen, and this journey will go on.”
