Jharkhand: Proposal to hike power tariffs by 60 pc faces stiff opposition, BJP warns of agitation

Ranchi- The Jharkhand government’s proposal to raise electricity tariffs by an average of 60 per cent for 2026–27 has sparked strong backlash across the state.

In its tariff petition submitted to the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC), the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has recommended steep increases across domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural categories. The JSERC has accepted the petition, and public hearings are expected to begin shortly.

Under the proposal, domestic power rates could see a substantial jump — up to Rs 10.30 per unit. Rural households may face an increase from Rs 6.70 to Rs 10.20 per unit, while urban domestic consumers could see rates rise from Rs 6.85 to Rs 10.30 per unit.

Commercial and industrial segments also face major hikes, with industrial tariffs proposed at Rs 9.10 per unit.

For agricultural irrigation, the rate could rise dramatically from Rs 5.30 per unit to between Rs 9 and Rs 10 per unit, a move expected to significantly raise farming costs.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from several organisations, including the BJP and the Jharkhand Federation of Chambers and Industries.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo termed the proposed hike an “economic assault” on the public and accused the Hemant Soren-led government of burdening farmers, small traders, and ordinary consumers. He said the government, which once promised free or cheap electricity, is now intent on draining the pockets of the common people.

According to Shahdeo, the hike translates to nearly 30 per cent for both rural and urban domestic consumers, while farmers could bear increases of nearly 60 per cent.

“Agriculture is already costly. Such an exorbitant rise in irrigation tariffs will crush farmers,” he said.

He added that the government has become indifferent to public concerns and warned that the steep tariff hike could push common households into deeper financial distress.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Jharkhand Federation of Chambers and Industries called the proposal “anti-people” and “unrealistic,” stating that it would strongly oppose the hike in upcoming public hearings.

With inputs from IANS