Bihar CM Urges Taxpayers to Give Up 125 Units Free Power

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has appealed to financially well-off households and income taxpayers to voluntarily surrender the benefit of 125 units of free electricity provided under the state’s power subsidy scheme. He said affluent consumers should give up the benefit in the interest of Bihar’s development and help the government manage its substantial subsidy expenditure.

Addressing the two-day Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 in Patna on Sunday, Choudhary said the state government spends around Rs 23,000 crore annually on electricity subsidies. He urged people who can afford to pay their electricity bills to voluntarily opt out of the scheme.

The Chief Minister said the subsidy expenditure amounts to approximately Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per household. According to him, financially secure families and income-tax-paying citizens could contribute to the state’s development by foregoing the free electricity benefit.

Samrat Choudhary Appeals to Taxpayers to Surrender Free Power Benefit

Choudhary made the appeal while speaking to young participants at the Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 in Patna. He called on affluent households to consider whether they needed the electricity subsidy and encouraged those with sufficient financial resources to give it up voluntarily.

“Financially well-off and income-tax-paying people should voluntarily give up the free electricity benefit and contribute towards Bihar’s development.”

The Chief Minister’s appeal focuses on voluntary surrender rather than compulsory withdrawal of the subsidy. The 125-unit free electricity scheme currently provides eligible consumers across economic categories with a specified amount of electricity without charge.

Choudhary argued that people who are financially comfortable should consider paying for their electricity consumption instead of continuing to receive government assistance. He linked the appeal to the broader objective of making public resources available for Bihar’s development priorities.

Bihar Government Spends Around Rs 23,000 Crore on Electricity Subsidies

One of the central points in Choudhary’s address was the financial cost of providing subsidised electricity. He said the Bihar Government spends approximately Rs 23,000 crore every year on power subsidies.

He also referred to an estimated expenditure of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per household, highlighting the financial commitment involved in maintaining the scheme.

Electricity subsidies are intended to reduce the financial burden on consumers and improve access to essential services. However, such programmes also require substantial government funding, making expenditure management an important part of state finances.

Choudhary’s appeal suggests that the government wants financially secure consumers to voluntarily forgo the benefit, potentially helping it manage the cost of the programme. The appeal, however, does not amount to an announcement that the 125-unit scheme will be discontinued or that all taxpayers will automatically lose eligibility.

What Is Bihar’s 125-Unit Free Electricity Scheme?

Bihar’s free electricity scheme provides consumers with up to 125 units of electricity without charge. The programme is designed to offer relief on household power bills and currently extends across economic categories, according to the information provided by the Chief Minister.

The subsidy reduces the amount consumers need to pay for electricity within the covered limit. For households that use electricity primarily for basic domestic requirements, the benefit can help manage monthly expenses.

Choudhary’s latest appeal introduces a voluntary element into the discussion by asking people with stronger financial capacity to surrender the benefit. The government has not indicated in the supplied announcement that consumers are being forced to opt out.

The distinction is important because the Chief Minister’s statement is an appeal to affluent households and taxpayers, not a declaration that the existing scheme has been withdrawn or replaced.

Chief Minister Highlights Youth’s Role in Strengthening Democracy

Beyond the electricity subsidy issue, Choudhary used his address at the Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 to emphasise the importance of young people in India’s democratic and national development.

He said young citizens have a responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions, protect the country’s cultural heritage and contribute to the goal of building a developed India.

“Youths have a crucial role to play in strengthening democracy, preserving the country’s civilisation and cultural heritage, and building a developed India.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted Bihar’s historical association with democratic traditions. He said the state’s legacy made it important for young people to take an active role in protecting and strengthening democratic values.

His remarks connected the youth parliament programme with broader questions of civic participation, constitutional awareness and the responsibilities of the next generation.

Choudhary Recalls Independence Struggle and Democratic Values

During the event, Choudhary recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence. He said the country achieved freedom in 1947 after a long period of struggle and the contributions of countless people.

With India approaching the completion of 80 years of independence, he called for renewed commitment to democratic principles and national development.

“As the country approaches the completion of 80 years of Independence, there is a need to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening democratic values.”

He urged young people to understand the importance of democratic participation and recognise the responsibilities that come with citizenship. The Chief Minister also encouraged them to contribute to the country’s future through education, public service and active engagement with democratic institutions.

Samrat Choudhary Praises PM Modi’s Vision for Developed India by 2047

Choudhary praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts towards making India a developed nation by 2047. He referred to the national vision of achieving developed-country status by the centenary of India’s independence.

He also credited former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with making significant contributions to the state’s development. His remarks highlighted the role of leadership and long-term development planning in improving infrastructure and public services.

The Chief Minister connected the national development vision with the responsibilities of Bihar’s younger generation, saying that young people would have an important role in shaping the country’s progress.

Education and Knowledge Are Foundations of Success, Says CM

Education was another major theme of Choudhary’s address. He said quality learning and the acquisition of knowledge were essential foundations for individual success and wider prosperity.

He encouraged young people to focus on education and develop the skills needed to contribute to society. According to his remarks, knowledge and learning are important not only for personal advancement but also for strengthening the country’s economic and social foundations.

The emphasis on education formed part of his broader message about youth participation in nation-building and the importance of preparing future generations for greater responsibilities.

CM Calls for Annual Youth Parliament Programme

Choudhary also called for the Pataliputra National Youth Parliament to be organised every year. He said an annual programme could help connect young people with democratic processes, constitutional values and the responsibilities of nation-building.

Youth parliament events provide participants with opportunities to discuss public issues, understand parliamentary procedures and engage with questions concerning governance and democracy.

By advocating an annual event, the Chief Minister indicated that such platforms could become a regular part of efforts to encourage civic awareness and leadership among young people in Bihar.

Education Minister, MP and Other Dignitaries Attend Event

The two-day Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 in Patna was attended by several public representatives and organisers.

Those present included Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, Member of Parliament Shambhavi Choudhary and youth parliament founder Sayan Kunal, among others.

The event brought together young participants and public figures to discuss democratic values, education, cultural heritage and the country’s development priorities.

What Choudhary’s Appeal Means for Bihar’s Free Electricity Scheme

Choudhary’s statement has brought attention to the financial implications of Bihar’s electricity subsidy programme and the government’s appeal for voluntary participation from affluent consumers.

For households that depend on the subsidy to manage their monthly expenses, the 125-unit benefit remains an important form of financial relief. For higher-income households and taxpayers, the Chief Minister has asked them to consider surrendering the benefit as a contribution towards the state’s development.

The government’s stated annual subsidy expenditure of around Rs 23,000 crore provides the financial context for the appeal. However, the statement does not specify how many households are expected to opt out or how much the government could save if affluent consumers voluntarily give up the benefit.

The appeal also does not announce a change in the existing scheme’s coverage. Any future changes to eligibility or implementation would require separate clarification from the state government.

For now, Choudhary’s message is directed at financially well-off households and income taxpayers, asking them to make a voluntary choice in the interest of Bihar’s development while the government continues to provide electricity subsidy support to consumers.