Kathmandu, March 27
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun says the government may waive the electricity charge for the entire lockdown period so that the public feels relieved in the wake of the cooking gas shortage.
“Many people have demanded that the government waive the charge for the entire month. But, we are preparing to give them 20 per cent discount on the charge of the current month,” he says in an interview with Onlinekhabar, “Nonetheless, if the situation turns worse, the government will make further decisions. We will consider public concerns. Citizens can use electricity as much as possible.”
The Nepal Electricity Authority is holding its board meeting on Friday and it will announce a 20 per cent waiver today, according to Pun, adding appropriate decisions will be made in the future if the government finds further concessions necessary.
The minister urges all house owners to give the discount to their tenants also.
In another context, the minister claims that the government is selling around 4,000 induction stoves it has in its stock. Currently, the stoves are available for purchase at the Food Management and Trading Company in Thapathali, but preparations are underway to deliver them at doorsteps whenever demanded from the customers inside the Kathmandu Valley, he assures.
