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Free power, not impossible
Providing free power to farmers may be possible at the moment, but may not be feasible on a long-term basis.
Thousands of crores of rupees are needed to supply free power. All these funds are spent at the cost of other resources. Our government already suffers a fiscal deficit and an added expenditure on free power may be a burden.
No doubt, supply of free power is helpful to suffering farmers who are facing hardship due to drought and famine. This measure may uplift their economic condition temporarily, but how far this provides a permanent solution to water crisis remains unpredictable.
Natural disasters may come along. But, how long can a government support the tillers? Instead, it may be wise to opt for amicable solutions like water harvesting, construction of dams and reservoirs, interlinking of rivers etc.
M.Kranthi Kumar
Physiotherapist
Guntur
* * *
Yes. It is possible to supply power free of cost to farmers, if the government can bear the electricity expenditure. It casts a lot of burden on the government and other development plans may get impaired. It may benefit poor farmers temporarily. But, at the same time imposes dependency of farmers on the government. Farmers look for help whenever they are in need of it. So, it is better to invest on the new power plants to increase the production of electricity and supply power at low cost than to supply free of cost. It is important to find a permanent solution.
M.Tejaswi
II/IV B.tech (IT)
LITAM,
Guntur.
* * *
Free power supply would help the farmers if and only if it is not a wonder that would tend to vanish in a short time. If the power is supplied on a cost-free basis, all other areas that need the attention may go unattended. So it is better our government concentrates on setting up of a good power plant rather than supplying power for free. Moreover, what the farmers need is sufficient water for the crop but not free power. Without proper irrigational facilities, supply of free power to farmers would only be futile. Concentrating on completing all the pending irrigation projects in time would prove to be more beneficial.
Chaitanya C.V.S.K
1/4 B.tech, Branch: E.C.E.
KLCE, Vaddeswaram.
* * *
I think supply of free power to farmers may not be feasible. In spite of their promises of giving free power, the government is now in a state of dilemma on the implementation process. It is something like a flash in the pan in the present situation of our State.
M.Sudheer,
1/4 B.Tech(CSE),
R.V.R&J.C College of Engineering,
Guntur.
* * *
General elections for the 12th Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh, the Congress party mandate assured farming community that the government would give free power both for agriculture as well to aquaculture. The party leaders also stated that the programme is productive.
Water and power are major inputs in the above sectors, to achieve optimum productivity. As on today, leaving power connections to aquaculture, about two million connections with an installed capacity of about 11,900 MU are in vogue in agriculture sector alone. Due to diminished annual rain fall during 2002 and 2003 and prevailing drought, one can presume about 50 per cent connections are dysfunctional due to some location-specific reasons i.e. 1) depletion of groundwater, 2) deep bores are yielding water containing more EC, 3) ingress of salt water into inland along the coast.
My perception in the present subject matter is that the programme is lop-sided and counter productive. Besides, lack of contentment provokes misuse of precious water.
If there is will, there is possibility to give free power to the sector. But, the programme is not viable.
M.Satyanaraya
Asst. Director of Fisheries(rtd)
Narne Towers, Saibaba Road,
Flat No:202, Guntur-522007.
* * *
Of course, it is possible for the government to supply free power to farmers as long as they make efficient use of the taxes they collect from people. Though for now it only seems viable to some extent, the promises made by the current government need courage to implement. We are aware of the fact that power projects play a key role in determining the economic stability of the State. Therefore, construction of power projects in the State also paves a better way to give free power to farmers.
P.Vikram Kumar,
1st BTech,EEE,
LITAM
* * *
Natural calamities and neglected development have resulted in the deterioration of the agricultural scenario. This has resulted in weakening of the farmers in our State. In a situation like this, the government deciding on providing free power supply kindles a hope in the farming community. The scheme is well thought out, productive and incentive-oriented to make the farmers produce more, giving them an opportunity for improvement. By cutting down all the extravagant expenses by the government towards publicity and proper utilization of taxes can always make this impossible task possible.
Bindu Priya.Ch
3/4 B.Tech I.T.
RVR & JC College Of Engineering
Guntur.
* * *
Farmer is the backbone of the country. Free power supply to him is no doubt a welcome gesture of the Congress Party which occupied the throne in Andhra Pradesh. The question arises as to what extent the government can extend this free power without controlling pilferage. Free power supply will become a burden and its effect will surely fall on people belonging to the middle class in the form of taxes etc. "Rob Peter to pay Paul" should not be the rule for replenishing the revenue losses. How about new projects? Stretching hands for World Bank loans becomes a must. Electricity generated at huge expense should not be spared for free. Even water, a natural resource, is nowadays not available freely. Some nominal charges should be collected in place of free power supply, as it is not advisable and possible to continue the provision for long.
N.Rajasekhar,
Plot No.20, SBH Colony,
Gurunanak Road,
Vijayawada - 8
* * *
Supplying of free power to farmers that costs around Rs. 400 crores annually is not a big burden to our State's economy. But, there are mainly three problems involved in the implementation of such schemes. Anything given free is never taken seriously, it would deplete the groundwater levels and misuse of free supply to non-irrigation purposes. This can be avoided by taking some measures like regularising and specifying the technicalities of machinery and electric motors, implementation of drip irrigation to conserve water resources and keeping a eye on the misuse of free power. If free power is supplied to farmers effectively, it would be a productive scheme that will bring good results in the days to come.
G.Satish Kumar,
3/4 B.E (ECE),
Sir C.R.Reddy College of Engg.,
Eluru
* * *
No. In present day conditions, supply of free power is not possible. Electricity is one of the major source of income. In India, no government can do this, because there will be a power shortage. It is not possible to supply free power to all.
G.Koushik,
X Class, VPS Public School,
Patamata, Vijayawada - 6
* * *
Free power supply to farmers may not be possible. But, supply of power at a minimum cost for irrigation purposes should be made possible. A number of reforms are needed to make the life of farmers happy. It is a good sign that the new government is ready to give its utmost attention to their problems. Summer is the time of distress to farmers. This could be reduced by the free supply of power. This scheme may be better as the condition of farmers will improve in the near future. The prosperity of the farmers means the prosperity of the nation.
K.Shrikaar,
X Class, Nirmala High School,
Patamata, Vijayawada.
* * *
No. It is not possible to supply the power free of cost to the farmers, because it will become very burdensome to middle class people. Government too can't bear the costs. So, the government increases the power tariff to domestic connections. So, it is not a correct decision for free supply of power to farmers.
G.N.D.Deepthi,
D.No.23-32-19, Sai Sudha Towers,
Satyanarayanapuram, Vijayawada
* * *
In my opinion, the supply of free power to the farmers is not practical. This has been projected just to impress the farmers and win their sympathy. Even if the leaders contemplate this seriously, they would be forced to resort to all sorts of unfair means. First of all, this should be at the cost of some other stratum of the society such as the urban middle class, the industrial segment. Another important fact that could not be ignored is that power generation units in the private sector would not allow even the slightest relaxation in the unit cost at which they sell power to the governments.
Even if they plan free power supply, just imagine the quality of power, the voltage, the time intervals and ultimately the distribution process. Mere emotional signing of the file to impress people would not meet the demands. On the whole, this idea of free supply to the farmers has to be reconsidered for the effective functioning of the government.
Dr.Prasad Kalluri, M.Sc.,Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor,
Flat T-3, Gangotri Apartments,
Municipal Employees Colony,
Vijayawada - 10
* * *
It is really a boon to farmers to have free power supply. As farmers are backbone of our country and also for economy they should be provided free power supply. Yes, supply of power free of cost is possible.
K.Harish Babu,
II ECE. LBRCE,
Mylavaram
* * *
The hottest discussion in today's political scenario is regarding the free supply of current. The million-dollar question in the minds of Transco and Genco authorities is that if they can really accomplish the task.I don't think its really possible. Maybe after a few months, there will be a great loss in the power sector. When there is a source of income, why should the government reject it? More than 50 per cent of the people in AP live in rural areas. Everyone claims to be a farmer. Sooner or later all the wells will get dried up. Though the Government promised free current, I think it's better to remove this.
A.Madhavi,
III/IV B.Tech (EEE)
Bapatla Engineering College,
Bapatla.
* * *
Yes. It is possible to supply free power to farmers. Mainly, free power is given only to poor farmers and those who are living in areas without any water facilities. By building some more power stations, it is easy to supply free power to farmers. So it is possible to supply free power to farmers.
Aparna U
Q.No.135/C, Type -2,
Satyanarayanapuram,
Railway Colony,
Vijayawada - 11
* * *
Reducing the publicity expenditure is enough to make it possible. Actually no farmer, in my opinion, wants just free power. They need a system under which they may even be prepared to pay. The unrealistic increase in the power tariff is the problem for the people. Let the farmers be given free power for the time being, as there was drought situation in the State for several years. But after observing for a month, a minimum amount can be collected from them.
T.A.Matheus,
St.Marrys Kerala School,
Pamarru - 521 157.
* * *
No. Nothing should be given free. It is impossible to supply free power to farmers. To get popularity and to mislead people'[s thoughts, some political parties may have announced these type of schemes. Wastage in use of free power would grow. Proper concessions may be extended to farmers as their work is more beneficial to the nation. Anything offered free makes a man lazy. In a poor country like India, nothing should be free until the consumers realise the importance of commodities or services.
N.Swathi,
II/IV B.Tech (IT),
Loyola Institute of Technology and Management,
Sattenapally, Guntur.
* * *
First of all we must thank our new Chief Minister for keeping his promis. This scheme should not be a burden to other sectors. However, it is suggested that the free power has to be supplied to farmers whose land-holding is less than 25 acres duly considering the availability of water resources. A slab system has to be introduced for those having 25 acres or more.
Y.Venkateswarlu,
67-10-7, Patamata,
Vijayawada - 10
* * *
Supply of free power to farmers is possible. Even though it is possible, it should not be given away to the entire farming community in the State. Not all farmers are so poor that they cannot afford to pay for electricity. Providing free power to needy farmers is very important. Farmers whose earnings work out to a meagre sum from the lands are those who really deserve it. Many factors come into picture with free power supply. By giving free power to all farmers in the State, the economy of the government will reduce. So, prices in other areas of work will go up affecting other classes of people. Continuous usage of motors by farmers leads to decrease in the groundwater level, which could be a major problem. These crucial problems should be taken into consideration while granting supply on a long-term basis.
N. Prashant.
* * *
`Free power supply to farmers' is very judicious and graceful decision taken by the Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.
Ever since Chandrababu Naidu has become the CM there is no significant contribution in favour of farmers who are facing a hopeless situation due to drought or heavy floods. Nevertheless government now needs about Rs.2,000 crores to implement this scheme for the next five years. Besides this, it has to incur a burden of about Rs.1,100 crores because of waiver of power dues which may lead to deficit of expenditure on other areas of public administration.
Even then, since the farmers concern is of high importance and holds immediate priority, supplying free power to farmers is very appreciable scheme for as AP in concerned, but would be detrimental to exchanger if it is at national level.
A.V.Rajendra Kumar,
B.Tech (CSE), K.L.C.E.,
Mogulrajpuram, Vijayawada.
* * *
"Every problem has a solution". So are the problems of the A.P. Farmers. For the past three years, due to less or no rainfall in few places, farmers are indebted to banks, landlords and electricity department.
At this juncture, the government must ensure that only the genuine beneficiaries, the poor farmers, should utilise the opportunity. Government can supply current to farmers @ 1.45/- per unit, in addition to this Government can charge Rs.25/- as customer charges. According to government census nearly 20,00,000 farmers are come under this free current program involving an expenditure of Rs. 108 crores which is not a big amount. The Government should also explore various options like purchasing power from the agencies at national level for ensuring supply to farm sector.
B.Vinod,
MBA 1st Year,
ICFAI National College
Vijayawada.
* * *
Yes, it is possible to provide free power to farmers. While the farmers get free power the compensatory burden has to be shared by all non-farming population of the state. This would, in turn, affect the savings of the people who do not depend upon the farming. Giving free power will help develop the agriculture sector and resolve the problems faced by the farmers.
But, it may also result in a fall in the industrial sector as well as burden the common man.
In view of this, the Government should take steps in such a way that the other sections are not burdened on account of free power to farming sector.
K.Sudheer (M.B.A)
ICFAI National College
Vijayawada.
* * *
In my opinion Mr. Rajasekhar Reddy took a good decision regarding free current to farmers. This decision will help our farmers to recover financially. We are observing that most of the farmers are committing suicide because of crop failure and debts.
The power bills will only add to the debts of the farmers. With its decision, the Government may lose Rs. 800 to 900 crores of revenue which may have an adverse impact on the budget. The Government can think of increasing taxes on luxury items like cigars, wines etc (or) increasing power charges to the non-agricultural sector people.
The increase in tariffs will not burden the other sections as they will have the benefit of reduced costs of vegetables, rice and other commodities which will compensate the hike.
Even if the other sections are to bear the additional burden, they should not regret as they are only helping the poor farmers.
The Government's decision, however, will be an additional benefit to the rich farmers who can afford to pay the charges.
Vasudeva Reddy.Raya
Pursing MBA,
ICFAI National College
Vijayawada.
* * *
Agriculture is the backbone for Indian Economy. More than 70% of Indian population depends on agriculture and lives in rural areas.
It is to serve these sections, the Chief Minister,Y S Rajasekhara Reddy decided to give free power to agriculture sector and rural poor. The decision may post some burden on the government, but it is necessary to give free power to farmers to lessen the burden on the community.
As per the statistics, there is 30 lakh hectares irrigated land in Andhra Pradesh of which the area under system irrigation is 11.5 lakhs hectares. The balance irrigated area is under wells, tubewells, liftwells etc and electricity is a major input to utilise the water from these sources.
The decision may result in an additional expenditure of Rs. 400 crores per annum, but it can be implemented by maintaining strict vigil on power thefts, recovering dues in time and avoiding wastage of electricity.
S.Ramesh (MBA)
ICFAI National College,
Vijayawada.
* * *
It is very good news to the farmers of Andhra Pradesh that our new CM Dr.Rajasekhar Reddy announced free power supply to farmers.
Many farmers committed suicide in the State due to continuous drought and failure of crops. The Government's decision to give free power to farmers is endorsed even by the Prime Minister- designate Mahmohan Singh who said that though it is not possible to give free power throughout the country, the conditions in Andhra Pradesh are different. The previous government spent all the money on Hi-tech infrastructure, but not invested anything on the agricultural sector.
The state government must take necessary steps to prevent wastage of electricity, collect the long pending electricity bills worth crores of Rupees and prevent illegal connections firmly.
We know it is a financial problem as it may incur budget loss of about Rs.450 crores per year, but the productivity of farmers will increase significantly compensating the additional expenditure on account of the free power. So free power is possible if government sincerely wants to work for it.
B.Surekha,
ICFAI National College,
Vijayawada.
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