Amid vociferous protests by Opposition members, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 that seeks to give multiple players open access to distribution networks of power suppliers and allow consumers to choose any service provider, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
While the Opposition MPs called the Bill “anti-farmer” and a violation of the promise the Centre had made to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) that had led the farmers’ agitation against the now repealed farm laws, Power Minister R K Singh argued that the Bill is “pro-people” and “pro-farmer”.
Soon after its introduction, Mr. Singh urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill, which seeks to amend the Electricity Act, 2003, to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for wider consultations and address the concerns raised by the Opposition.
