Atishi accuses Delhi LG of hindering AAP’s solar policy ahead of LS polls

Delhi Power Minister Atishi on Wednesday alleged that Lt Governor V K Saxena is obstructing the AAP dispensation’s solar policy to ensure it is not notified before the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls.

Atishi raised the issue in the Delhi Assembly and also addressed a press conference on it.
Officials in the LG office, however, said the Delhi government’s claims of the solar policy being stalled are misleading because the LG has not stopped the policy.
The LG has asked on the file whether the policy contains provisions for synergy with the central government capital subsidies on solar energy production.

Atishi said that on January 29, the policy was passed by the Delhi cabinet. After that, an official notification of the cabinet decision was released.
“Thereafter the file was sent to the LG. It is a matter of grave concern that such a fine policy in the best interest of the people and environment of Delhi was put on hold by the LG.

“The power department followed up with the LG office multiple times as the government needed to notify the policy. When the LG could not delay the file any longer, he raised irrelevant queries and objections and sent the file to us,” she alleged.
The new solar policy has the provision of providing zero rupee electricity bill to even those consumers who use above 400 units, she said. She added that at present, the Arvind Kejriwal government provides free electricity for up to 200 units and a 50 per cent subsidy for consumption of 201-400 units.