Chandigarh, March 9 -- The Punjab government has allocated Rs.15,550 crore for power subsidies in the state budget, with a major portion earmarked for free electricity to farmers and domestic consumers.

Presenting the budget, finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the government remains committed to its welfare schemes, including free power for households and agriculture, while simultaneously focusing on improving efficiency in the power sector.

Out of the total subsidy bill, Rs.7,715 crore has been allocated for agricultural power subsidy, ensuring continued free electricity supply to the farming community. For domestic consumers, the government has earmarked Rs.5,771 crore to provide 300 units of free electricity per household. Acc...