No free electricity for Bihar taxpayers? CM appeals to income-tax payers to surrender 125-unit benefit and support state's development

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has urged financially well-off residents and income-tax payers to voluntarily give up their entitlement to 125 units of free electricity, saying the money saved could support the state's development, a TOI report stated. The chief minister made the appeal while addressing the Pataliputra National Youth Parliament-2.0 in Patna on Sunday. He said the Bihar government spends around Rs 23,000 crore every year on electricity subsidies, with the annual subsidy amount ranging between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 per household.

Choudhary said the government currently provides 125 units of free electricity to consumers irrespective of their economic background. However, he appealed to those who can afford to pay their electricity bills to voluntarily surrender the benefit. He said financially comfortable households, particularly income-tax payers, should consider giving up the subsidy and contributing towards Bihar's growth.

Bihar spends Rs 23,000 crore annually on electricity subsidies

The chief minister highlighted the financial commitment involved in providing subsidised electricity to households across the state. According to Choudhary, the government spends approximately Rs 23,000 crore annually on electricity subsidies. The estimated expenditure per household stands at Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.


The existing arrangement provides 125 units of free electricity to consumers across income groups. Choudhary's appeal, however, was directed at households that have the financial capacity to manage their electricity expenses without government support. He urged income-tax-paying residents and financially well-off families to voluntarily surrender the benefit rather than continue receiving subsidised power.

Why Bihar CM is appealing to financially well-off households

Choudhary linked his appeal to the larger objective of Bihar's development. He called upon people with the ability to pay their electricity bills to contribute towards the state's progress. His remarks came during an event focused on young people's participation in democracy and nation-building.

The chief minister said Bihar has a historical connection with democratic traditions. He stressed that the younger generation must take responsibility for protecting democratic institutions and strengthening the country's cultural and civilisational heritage.

CM highlights role of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in nation-building

Addressing the gathering, Choudhary said young people have an important responsibility in shaping India's future. He recalled the contribution of freedom fighters in securing Independence in 1947 and said the country must renew its commitment to democratic values as it approaches 80 years of Independence.

Referring to the 1974 movement, he noted that young people had played a significant role in that period of political and social change. He said today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha generations should also participate actively in democratic processes and contribute to nation-building.

Choudhary also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed country by 2047. He acknowledged former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's contribution to the state's development.

Education and youth parliament can strengthen democracy

The chief minister said education and knowledge remain essential foundations for individual success and the country's progress. He called for organising the youth parliament every year to familiarise young people with democratic institutions, constitutional principles and the responsibilities of citizens.

The event was attended by Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, MP Shambhavi Choudhary and youth parliament founder Sayan Kunal, among others.