NEW DELHI: Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood on Monday suggested that electricity prices could rise, blaming a Rs 27,000 crore debt left by the previous AAP government with power distribution companies (Discoms) through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).
Responding to a query by AAP MLA Imran Hussain in the Delhi Assembly regarding potential tariff hikes, Sood explained that Discoms are authorised to raise rates to recover the outstanding dues.
He further noted that during the previous government’s tenure, the Delhi high court had directed DERC to issue a tariff order, yet the administration failed to protect public interests.
“The previous government has left a debt of Rs 27,000 crore in regulatory assets with the Discoms through DERC. To recover this, companies are permitted to increase electricity rates. The high court had ordered DERC to issue tariff orders, but that government failed to safeguard public interest,” he said.
“In the coming time, electricity prices will increase, and perhaps some individuals even want this for their political benefit. However, the government is in constant communication with DERC and is closely monitoring the situation,” Sood added.
Atishi slams centre over unfulfilled Rs 2,500 scheme for Delhi women
Meanwhile, former Delhi chief minister and AAP leader Atishi on Monday criticised the BJP-led central government, alleging that the promised Rs 2,500 financial aid for women had not materialised. She expressed hope that the ruling party would fulfil its commitments during the Budget Session.
Speaking to media, the Leader of the Opposition said, “The BJP made many promises before the elections. We hope they will be fulfilled in this budget session. The most important promise was that women in Delhi would receive Rs 2,500 on March 8. Till today, even the registration for the scheme has not begun. It is clear that PM Modi lied and deceived the people of Delhi.”
“We hope the people of Delhi are not betrayed in this budget,” she said.
Delhi assembly to discuss water shortage and infrastructure concerns
The Budget Session follows the recent 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election, which saw the BJP return to power after nearly three decades.
In the previous Assembly session last month, the government tabled two CAG reports on the now-defunct excise policy and Delhi’s healthcare system.
Meanwhile, legislators Surya Prakash Khatri, Mohan Singh Bisht, and Raj Kumar Bhatia will resume discussions on issues such as water shortages, drainage problems, and sewerage blockages. These deliberations, initiated on 3 March, are being pursued under the direction of the Speaker.
During Question Hour, members will present starred questions, with relevant authorities responding, while unstarred queries will be placed on record for future discussion.
Under Special Mention (Rule-280), MLAs will raise pressing matters with the Speaker’s approval, enabling discussions on critical issues.
Furthermore, chief minister Rekha Gupta will propose a motion for the election of nine members each to the Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Estimates, and Committee on Government Undertakings, playing a crucial role in shaping the financial governance of Delhi.
These discussions and reports reflect the Assembly’s commitment to addressing key concerns affecting the capital.
The Budget Session remains a vital period in Delhi’s legislative calendar, where major financial and policy decisions will be made. The session is set to continue until 28 March 2025, with a possibility of an extension if required.
