UP’s new sops: No FIR for Power thefts.

LUCKNOW: The BJP government in Uttar Pradeshhas unleashed a slew of sops for power consumers — from deciding to not lodge FIRs in cases of power theft, popularly known as “katia” connections, to a one-time-settlement scheme for farmers with large power bill dues. These measures come just months ahead of the Lok Sabhaelections.

“Though the Electricity Act has a provision for lodging FIRs against those tapping electricity illegally, the state will not be invoking this,” state energy minister Srikant Sharma told TOI.

“The idea is to legalise electricity connections for better revenue that would subsequently be wheeled into development of power infrastructure. Distribution companies will be asked to get illegal connections legalised,” Sharma said.