Cut in Maha power tariff soon; toll tax review in a week

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan said on Thursday the state government will soon make an announcement in connection with reduction of power tariff while toll tax will be reviewed within a week's time.

The government had appointed a sub-committee headed by Industries Minister Narayan Rane on November 19 which submitted its report recently.

Accordingly, an announcement on giving further subsidy will be made on January 20, Chavan told reporters in Nagpur.

Chavan, who was in the city to distribute the awards in the co-operative sector said the government was seriously reviewing the toll tax in the state and the minister concerned has been asked to prepare a detailed report on it.

Accordingly, the MSRTC buses plying outside city limit will be exempted from the burden of toll tax.

The entire issue is being re-examined

in the wake of protests in certain parts of the state, he said.

To a question on recovery of Rs 154 crore (Rs 1.54 billion) with penalty from Saoner Congress member of the l Sunil Kedar, main accused in the security scam of Nagpur District Central Co-Operative Bank, Chavan said the issue is under process in the co-operative department.

The MLA had been directed to pay the sum within a month by the department of co-operatives. He also said the state government has decided to rejuvenate Central Co-Operative Banks of Nagpur, Buldana and Akola districts.

The state government has already provided financial assistance to other co-op banks elsewhere in Maharashtra.

The demand to reduce power tariff in Maharashtra gained momentum after the Aam Aadmi Party announced a 50 per cent cut in electricity tariffs in Delhi soon after forming the government in December.

Elections to the Maharashtra Assembly are scheduled to held in September and October.