Focus should be on systematic reforms, not subsidies: RWAs
NEW DELHI: The Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have slammed the government’s move of reducing power bill by half and giving water for free.
RWA members said that the AAP had acted against the interest of the poor by putting in a condition in its subsidy clause that anyone consuming more than 400 units of electricity and 700 litres of water would have to pay in full.
“This might provide temporary relief, but will act against the interest of the poor. The poorest of poor in this city live on rent and depend on sub meters. Hence they will almost always have to pay their full amount as their power bill breaches the 400 unit mark,” said Rajiv Kakaria, member of Greater Kailash, RWA.
Kakaria said instead of doling out subsidies, the government should have been looking to bring in systematic reforms. “We were looking for a systematic overhaul. This subsidy will reduce the urge to bring in systematic reforms,” Kakaria added.
BS Vohra, president of federation of east Delhi RWAs also criticised the move and said 90% consumers will not be benefited by the subsidy as claimed by AAP. “The AAP claims that the move will benefit 90% of consumers. Why is the remaining 10% being made scapegoats?” asked Vohra. Ashok Bhasin, president of north Delhi RWAs, also condemned the move. MANOJ KUMAR, autorickshaw driver