Industries in backward areas may get power at concessional rates

Industries in the backward areas of the state may get a respite with the state cabinet on Tuesday deciding to set up a sub-committee to provide power at concessional rates to the industrial units in areas such as Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Energy minister Chandrashekhar Bavankule will head the sub-committee.

A committee to examine concessions in power tariffs for industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada had been set up under the divisional commissioner, Nagpur and it submitted its report to the state government after examining the power tariffs in backward and developed areas. Later, a committee was set up under the chief secretary. The two reports were tabled before the state cabinet by Bavankule.

It is learnt that in the cabinet meeting, ministers from north Maharashtra sought that industries in their region also get these rebates in addition to those in Vidarbha and Marathwada, after which the decision on setting up the sub-committee was taken. The concessional power supply will boost industrial investment and growth in these areas.

The Shiv Sena is also seeking sops for backward areas like Jawhar near Thane.