Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Pledges Free Electricity for 125 Units Ahead of Polls

Quick Summary

• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on July 17, 2025, that eligible domestic consumers in the State will receive up to 125 units of electricity free starting august 1. this initiative is set to benefit approximately 1.67 crore families.
• Solar power plants will be installed on rooftops or nearby public spaces for domestic consumers within three years, with the State fully covering costs for extremely poor families under the Kutir Jyoti scheme and financial aid provided for others.
• The announcement is part of broader initiatives and includes a projection of up to 10,000 megawatts of solar energy generated in Bihar within three years.
• The Chief Minister also directed the prompt recruitment of teachers in government schools under established quotas such as a 35% reservation for women residents from Bihar.

indian Opinion Analysis

Nitish Kumar’s announcement reflects an election-oriented focus on welfare policies aimed at addressing both energy sustainability and voter incentives ahead of Bihar’s upcoming Assembly elections. While offering free electricity can alleviate financial pressure on over one crore households, tying this programme to solar energy adoption underscores an ambition to improve renewable infrastructure across the state-a meaningful environmental move if achieved successfully.

The inclusion of subsidies under schemes like Kutir Jyoti signals sensitivity toward economic disparities amongst beneficiaries. Though, timely implementation will be pivotal given previous challenges associated with large-scale projects. Similarly, teacher recruitment plans signify proactive governance but may need sustained oversight due to complexities involved in wide-reaching educational reforms. Thes measures collectively highlight attempts at balancing social welfare and sustainable development goals as strategic electoral promises.

read more: The Hindu