Hyderabad, Oct. 13: BRS MLA and former minister T. Harish Rao has criticised the Telangana government’s decision to establish a Rythu DISCOM, alleging that the move could threaten free electricity for farmers. He demanded that the government withdraw GO 17 unless it addresses concerns raised by farmers, unions and electricity sector experts.
Harish Rao said the government issued the order despite objections from the BRS and other groups. He questioned how the new utility would benefit farmers without clear assurances on reliable power supply.
He also criticised the Congress government over alleged difficulties in providing uninterrupted electricity to agriculture, homes and industries. He described the proposed Rythu DISCOM as a potential burden on farmers and questioned whether it would lead to restrictions on free power in the future.
Harish Rao Raises Concerns Over Power Allocation and Staffing
According to Harish Rao, the new DISCOM would cover 30,60,861 agricultural connections, 512 lift irrigation schemes, HMWSSB and Mission Bhagiratha connections. He questioned whether a system of this scale could be managed with only 2,000 staff.
He also raised concerns about the management of 6,15,651 agricultural transformers and 2.51 lakh circuit kilometres of agricultural low-tension lines. He asked who would be responsible if inadequate staffing led to problems for farmers.
Harish Rao questioned the proposed power allocation, citing figures for thermal, solar and hydel power. He said solar power was available only during daylight hours, raising concerns about how the government would ensure 24-hour free electricity.
He also pointed out that the entire 2,325 MW of hydel power had reportedly been allocated to Rythu DISCOM. However, he said this supply was technically available for only three to four months annually, questioning how the utility would meet demand during the remaining months.
The BRS MLA further sought details about the new DISCOM’s loans, outstanding dues, asset transfers, employee transfers and administrative costs. He questioned whether financial liabilities could eventually place an additional burden on farmers.
Harish Rao demanded a written guarantee that free electricity would continue and that farmers would receive uninterrupted 24-hour supply. He also called for the government to publish details on the proposed utility’s benefits, financial position, staffing and power management.
He said the government should address the objections raised by farmers, labour unions and electricity experts before proceeding. If it could not provide satisfactory answers and assurances, he demanded that GO 17 be withdrawn immediately.
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