Maharashtra's Energy Minister Nitin Raut - has announced a "Diwali bonanza" for people of the state after complaints over inflated power bills. The minister also gave hints that a decision related to high electricty bills will be taken soon, with a waiver likely.
He said he had received a call from "Matoshree" (Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's residence) to resolve this issue on a priority basis.
"We plan to do what we have promised. You are aware that during the COVID-19 pandemic the economy has seen a depression. Our first priority was to save lives. We diverted the entire budget to that cause. But electricity is important and people's livelihoods have not completely returned. Financial conditions are not good. Keeping that in mind we are planning a Diwali bonanza," he said.
"My department has already moved the file and it has gone to the Finance Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is currently unwell. He will take a look at it soon and we are following it up," Mr Raut added.
Several people, including celebrities in Mumbai and other parts of the state, complained about the bills during the Covid lockdown. The matter reached the Bombay High Court in July and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) was directed to act soon.