New Electricity Bill not in the country's interest: Shiv Sena MP

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has alleged that the new Electricity (Amendment) Bill is not in the interest of the country and that the Centre did not consult states on the new bill's provisions. The bill is listed as one of the 17 new bills to be introduced in the ongoing planning session on the Lok Sabha bulletin.

The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, will allow consumers to choose from multiple service providers, a system similar to telecom services. Raut pointed out that state electricity companies will be adversely impacted if the bill is passed.

The proposed bill will also de-license power distribution business, and the MP said that the Centre did not discuss these provisions with stakeholders, including states. He added that Shiv Sena is holding consultations regarding the amendment.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also voiced her concerns in a letter written to PM Modi. She urged him to refrain from "initiating" the legislation and said that the new bill would reduce the role of the state public utility bodies and foster "crony capitalism". She further requested him "to ensure that a broad-based and transparent dialogue on the subject is opened up at the earliest".