- Yogi Government’s One-Time Settlement scheme gains favorable response from the public
- Over 58,000 consumers register on last day of first phase, over Rs 57 crore recovered
- 1st phases ended on November 30, 2nd & 3rd phases will conclude on December 1-15 and December 16-31 respectively
By Our Correspondent
Lucknow:
The first stage of the Yogi government’s One-Time Settlement scheme, aimed at resolving the outstanding dues of electricity consumers, concluded on November 30. During this first phase, approximately 20 lakh individuals benefitted from the scheme, contributing to a government revenue of around Rs 2,000 crores.
On November 30 alone, over 58,000 consumers enrolled in the scheme, resulting in a total fund deposit exceeding Rs 57 crore on that day.
It is worth noting that the Yogi government launched the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) on November 8, providing relief to the state’s electricity consumers in paying their outstanding electricity bills. Consumers have been actively registering daily to avail themselves of the scheme’s benefits.
The scheme caters to two beneficiary categories: OTS Normal and OTS Theft, the latter comprising individuals with outstanding dues for electricity theft. The scheme is being run in three segments for a total of 54 days, from November 8 to December 31, 2023. The first phase of this scheme ran from November 8th to November 30th. Subsequently, the second phase is currently underway, running from December 1 to 15, while the third phase is scheduled to take place from December 16 to December 31.
Those who came early got maximum benefit
Dr. Ashish Goyal, President of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL), highlighted a unique aspect of the scheme, emphasizing that early registrants stand to gain greater benefits. Particularly, consumers who registered by November 30 received enhanced advantages. The scheme offers flexibility in payments, allowing consumers to settle their dues either in a lump sum or through easy installments.
Specifically, domestic consumers with a load of up to one kilowatt can pay their dues in 12 installments, while those with a load exceeding one kilowatt can opt for a 6-installment plan. Private tube well consumers are provided with a 12-installment payment option, while others have the flexibility of settling their dues in 3 installments.
Along with a two-thirds rebate on revenue assessment in cases of electricity theft, consumers against whom RC has been issued are also included in the scheme. The benefit of the scheme is also being given in the cases pending in court. Consumers can benefit from the scheme by registering at any departmental billing counter, SDO or EXN office, or on the UPPCL website.
Greater enthusiasm was seen among consumers in Purvanchal and Madhyanchal
Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. has witnessed remarkable enthusiasm under the OTS, with over 5.50 lakh individuals registering for the scheme. On November 30 alone, approximately 19,000 people enrolled, leading to a recovery of over Rs 20.5 crore on that day. Impressively, as of November 30, Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam has successfully recovered around Rs 640 crore, constituting nearly 30 percent of the total revenue.
Similarly, Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam has contributed significantly, depositing an amount of about Rs 490 crore by November 30. Since the initiation of the scheme, more than 5.45 lakh people have registered to benefit from its provisions. On November 30 alone, over 17,000 registrations were recorded, resulting in a collection of over Rs 15 crore on that single day.
Paschimanchal and Dakshinachal were also not left behind
Similar to the enthusiasm observed in Purvanchal and Madhyanchal, people in Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam displayed significant eagerness to avail the benefits of the scheme. By November 30, Paschimanchal had successfully collected over Rs 485 crore under the scheme, with more than 4.40 lakh individuals participating. On November 30 alone, around 12,000 people registered, contributing to a revenue of over Rs 12 crore on that day.
While Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam also contributed to the scheme, its revenue collection was slightly lower compared to other Discoms. Till November 30, Dakshinachal Vidyut Vitran Nigam had recovered more than Rs 370 crore, with over 4.35 lakh people registering for the scheme. On November 30, approximately 11,000 individuals registered, resulting in a deposit of over Rs 9 crore through the department’s counter and other channels.
