Overview

• On July 18, the Bihar Cabinet approved the free power scheme and earmarked ₹3,797 crore to underwrite monthly subsidies of up to 125 units per household from the July billing cycle
• The measure is expected to benefit 1.67 crore domestic consumers statewide, fulfilling Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s pledge ahead of the October–November assembly elections
• Preparations under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana are underway to install up to 10,000 MW of rooftop and community solar systems over three years, with full funding for the poorest families and assistance for others
• Opposition RJD leaders deride the initiative as a copy of Tejashwi Yadav’s earlier promise, while Uttar Pradesh’s energy minister quipped that electricity must first reach homes to be truly free
• The subsidy builds on past power-sector reforms but raises questions about Bihar’s ability to ensure uninterrupted supply amid one of India’s highest state power burdens