UP Energy Minister Clarifies Position on Unregistered Tubewell Owners
Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma addressed the state Assembly on Wednesday, providing crucial clarification regarding the status of private tubewell owners who have not yet registered for the government's free electricity scheme. The minister confirmed that the 5.06 lakh farmers who remain outside the registration process are not being pressured for electricity bill recovery, despite registration being mandatory for subsidy processing.
Registration Numbers and Administrative Requirements
Sharma revealed detailed statistics about agricultural electrification in Uttar Pradesh. The state currently has 15,64,219 private agricultural tubewell connections. Of these, approximately 10,59,041 farmers have successfully completed their registration under the free electricity scheme. The remaining 5.06 lakh farmers represent those who have yet to complete this administrative formality.
The minister emphasized that registration serves as a fundamental administrative requirement for proper beneficiary identification and subsidy accounting. "To extend any government benefit, we must know who the beneficiary is," Sharma explained. "Registration enables us to present accurate accounts to the government and power department, following which the subsidy is released."
Details of the Free Electricity Scheme
The flagship free electricity scheme, launched on April 1, 2023, offers substantial benefits to eligible farmers:
- 140 free units per kW per month
- Requires beneficiaries to clear all dues up to March 31, 2023
- Mandates installation of functional meters
Sharma made a significant assurance that farmers who have not registered are still receiving free irrigation power and are not being pursued for electricity bill recovery. However, he strongly appealed to the unregistered farmers to complete their registration promptly, describing it as a simple formality essential for transparent accounting of the substantial government subsidy.
Historical Context and Current Progress
The minister provided historical perspective on agricultural electrification in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting contrasting progress across different administrations. According to Sharma's data:
- Up to 2017, approximately 10 lakh connections had been provided to farmers
- Since 2017, about 6 lakh additional connections have been added over eight years
Sharma underscored that the current administration has achieved a significant milestone by arranging free electricity for irrigation needs for the first time in the state's history. This represents a substantial commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
Challenges and Stakeholder Response
Recent reports have highlighted several challenges facing the implementation of the free electricity scheme. As of January 31, 2026, meters had been installed for approximately 10.74 lakh tubewell connections. A significant financial challenge remains, with private tubewell farmers collectively owing Rs 5,549 crore in unpaid electricity dues. Officials have identified this substantial outstanding amount as a key factor contributing to the slow pace of registration.
Avadhesh Kumar Verma, chairman of Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad, welcomed the energy minister's statement while offering constructive feedback. "We welcome the minister's assurance for farmers," Verma stated, "but the UPPCL must simplify the registration process for farmers." This comment highlights the need for administrative improvements to facilitate broader participation in the scheme.
The minister's clarification comes at a critical juncture as the free electricity scheme enters its third year of implementation. While registration remains essential for proper subsidy accounting and transparent governance, the assurance that unregistered farmers face no bill recovery pressure provides important reassurance to the agricultural community. The government continues to encourage completion of registration while maintaining electricity supply to all eligible farmers, regardless of their registration status.
