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Delhi power consumers get some relief, fixed charges increase (Lead)
New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) The DERC on Wednesday announced revised electricity rates for consumers, with the Aam Aadmi Party government claiming that bills for domestic users will come down with lower rates, even though fixed charges per month had increased.
Addressing the media here after Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) announced the revised tarrif, Power Minister Satyendar Jain said that the electricity bills of all domestic consumers across different categories had come down.
“Everyone’s bills have come down — for some by Rs 100, for some by Rs 50…,” Jain said.
Jain said the fixed rate levied per month had to be increased as the central government had increased the same on electricity produced by power plants from which the Delhi government purchases power, by 50 paise per unit.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said: “For the fourth year, electricity will not be costly in Delhi.”
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and Leader of Opposition in Assembly Vijender Gupta said in the house that the rates have increased.
“The Delhi government is misleading the Assembly. Electricity rates have increased,” Gupta said, to which Jain said: “If your bill has increased even by a rupee, I’ll give you the money.”
Gupta criticised the government on two counts with regard to the revision of tariff.
“Firstly, it is misleading that electricity consumers that the DERC has reduced power tariff. Secondly, it is directly conniving with the discoms in effecting exorbitant hike in fixed charges. The full benefit of the fixed charges will go to discoms,” he said.
“Therefore, the government is not speaking of increased financial burden on most consumers,” the BJP leader added.
Gupta urged the DERC to roll back the increased fixed charges.
“For a domestic consumer suing 401 units and having a 5KW connection… as per the revised rate, he will have to pay Rs 140 per KW per month in place of earlier fixed charge of Rs 35/KW per month.
“Thus, he will have to pay more,” Gupta said.
He said that as power rates had gone down to Rs 6.50 from Rs 7.30, the user will pay Rs 320.80 less. “But his total bill will increase by Rs 204.20. His gross bill will increase by about Rs 250, taking into consideration the cess and other charges,” he added.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.