The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has set a target to provide electricity connection to 50,000 farmers in the state by March end. The drive has evoked good response with 28,000 farmers across the state, which includes 325 from Nagpur district and 5233 from Vidarbha region applying for power connection through the portal launched by MSEDCL within 15 days.
The farmers having abundant water sources are facing some difficulties and will be provided solar pumps. Out of the 26,000 applicants, applications of 2,293 farmers have been approved after conducting the survey of their agricultural land. In addition, 419 applications have been temporarily rejected due to some minor discrepancies and the farmers have been asked to re submit their applications after rectifying the mistakes.
Moreover, the MSEDCL has published a booklet on frequently asked questions (FAQ), which is being distributed to the farmers and all the MSEDCL officials are establishing direct contact with the farmers through WhatsApp to ensure effective implementation of the scheme.
The highest numbers of application of 1,568 from Vidarbha region have been received from Washim district of which 417 have been issued demand notes. Similarly, of the 325 applications from Nagpur, 119 have been issued demand note. The scheme is receiving good response from the Naxal-hit Gadchiroli district where 602 farmers have applied for electricity connection. Similarly, 540 farmers from Bhandara district have submitted their applications through MSEDCL portal and 43 have been issued demand notes, informs a press release issued by MSEDCL.