Has free electricity been stopped in Delhi? Read the Fact Check.

A viral video on social media features Delhi government minister Atishi. In the video, it’s claimed that free electricity has been stopped in Delhi. Atishi says in the video, “From today, the electricity subsidy for 46 lakh families in Delhi will be stopped. This means that from tomorrow, those receiving electricity bills in Delhi will not get any subsidy. So, those who used to receive zero bills will start getting increased bills from tomorrow. Those who used to get a 50% discount will also start receiving increased bills.”

Users are commenting along with this video, “Look, the fever has subsided. Those who voted for free things are entitled to this. Freeloading is a sure recipe for economic disaster.”

Several other users have also shared this video, which can be viewed by clicking here, here, and here.

Fact Check

The DFRAC team conducted an investigation into the viral video. We found that this video was not uploaded on the news agency @ANI Twitter handle on April 14, 2023, as claimed. The video states, “From today, the subsidized electricity for people in Delhi will be stopped. This means that from tomorrow, no subsidized bills will be given. This subsidy has been stopped because the AAP government has decided to continue the subsidy for the next year, but the file is with Delhi LG and until the file is returned, the AAP government cannot issue the subsidized bill: Delhi Minister Atishi.”

In this video, Atishi states, “The Arvind Kejriwal government provides electricity subsidy. Under this, electricity is free up to 200 units. From 200 to 400 units, 50% of the electricity bill is waived. This subsidy is also given to lawyers, farmers, and victims of the 1984 riots. Today, all this electricity subsidy will be stopped. This means that from tomorrow, those receiving electricity bills in Delhi will not get any subsidy. So, those who used to receive zero bills will start getting increased bills from tomorrow. Those who used to get a 50% discount will also start receiving increased bills. Why has this subsidy been stopped? This subsidy has been stopped because the elected government of Delhi, the decision taken by Arvind Kejriwal’s government, the decision taken by the cabinet that we will continue the subsidy for the coming year. The file of that subsidy is with the LG of Delhi. Despite sending the file to LG, it has been kept by his office and until that file is returned to the LG’s office, Arvind Kejriwal’s government cannot release the money for the subsidy.”

However, we also found several media reports countering Atishi’s allegations. In addition, according to a report published by Amar Ujala on April 15, 2023, LG VK Saxena had approved the file of electricity subsidy while advising the government.

Conclusion

 It is evident from DFRAC’s fact-check that an incomplete statement by Delhi government minister Atishi has been shared on social media. Therefore, the claim made by social media users is misleading.