Maharashtra’s Energy Minister Dr Nitin Raut on Tuesday announced Vilasrao Deshmukh Amnesty Scheme for permanently disconnected (PD) MSEDCL consumers, more than 32 lakhs, across the state. The move is aimed at recovering the huge outstanding dues that has burdened the state run distribution company. To incentivise consumers to clear the dues, the Minister has floated the scheme hoping to cut down the debt of company. Addressing a press conference at Lonar in Buldhana district, Dr Raut said there were 32,16,500 PD consumers across all category of consumers having arrears of Rs 9354 crore.

 

PD consumers availing this scheme would get 100 per cent waiver of interest and delayed payment charges. In case the arrears are paid in one installment, additional rebate of 5% and 10% would be given to HT and LT PD consumers. The scheme would be effectively implemented from March 1 to August 31, 2022, and applicable to all category consumers except agricultural consumers. The Minister instructed the MSEDCL to draft amnesty scheme for the PD consumers in the name of former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Vilasrao Deshmukh. The amnesty scheme would help the MSEDCL to improve it's financial health by recovering the PD arrears and at the same time would benefit the PD consumers. Also regularising the connection would increase the net income of MSEDCL.

 

He further said the scheme would help PD consumers to restart their business for industrial and commercial purposes that would in turn help the economy and benefit State exchequer. The implementation of the said scheme would revive the closed businesses and industries generating employment for millions of people boosting the economy of the State. Easy installment payment facility for the consumers are made available. The first installment should be 30 % of the basic amount. Later on they can pay it in 6 installments. At the same time it would be mandatory to pay the prescribed installment along with the amount of current bill. And if the beneficiary consumer did not pay the remaining installments, the re-waived interest and delay charges would be re-applied. Subjudice Cases: As to subjudice case, if MSEDCL had filed a recovery suit in the court for recovery of arrears and if the consumer is willing to avail benefit of the above scheme, then such consumer would be bound to pay the legal expenses.

 

In case the decree has been passed in favour of MSEDCL and the period has not passed more than 12 years and the beneficiary has not filed any appeal anywhere, then such consumers can avail the benefit of the scheme. However consumers who have raised dispute in court will not be able to avail the benefits of this scheme. The scheme would be applicable in MSEDCL's franchise areas also. Reconnection: MSEDCL will supply power if the PD consumer wants to take advantage of this scheme for which they would need to apply for new service connection and have to pay for the reconnection changes and make deposit as per prevailing rules. Benefits: About 32 lakh consumers in the State will get the opportunity to reconnect. It will revive commercial and industrial activities generating employment. The PD consumers will get rebate of around Rs. 1,445 crore in interest and penalty amount.

 

MSEDCL will get some amount from the PD arrears improving its financial condition. Category of PD Consumers & Arrears: There are total 27,32,643 Residential consumers having arrears of Rs 3317.21 crores, 3,79,528 Commercial Consumers having arrears of Rs 749.14 crores, 57087 Industrial Consumers having arrears of Rs 310.03 crores, 25793 PWW consumers having arrears of Rs 613 crores, 193597 Ag Consumers having arrears of Rs 830 crores and other 48,000 consumers having arrears of Rs 80 crores.