Major Relief for Tribal Farmers as 143.74 Crore Released for Agricultural Power Subsidy

Mumbai, August 24: 

The state government has taken a significant step to provide relief to farmers in tribal areas by approving the release of 143.74 crore during the financial year 2026-27 towards electricity tariff concessions for agricultural pump consumers belonging to the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.

The Tribal Development Department has granted administrative approval for the allocation under the Tribal Component Programme. The funds will be used to provide electricity tariff concessions to eligible tribal farmers operating agricultural pumps.

A budgetary provision of ₹594 crore has been made for the scheme for the financial year 2026-27. Of this, 143.74 crore has been transferred through the Budget Distribution System to the Principal Secretary (Energy), Industries, Energy and Labour Department, who is the administrative head responsible for implementing the scheme.

The government has directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the funds are utilised exclusively for beneficiaries belonging to the Scheduled Tribes community. Strict monitoring has also been mandated to prevent diversion or misuse of the funds.

The authorities have further been instructed to maintain separate records of expenditure incurred in Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas and areas outside the Tribal Sub-Plan. Monthly expenditure statements, details of physical targets achieved and utilisation certificates must be submitted to the Tribal Development Department by the 10th of every month.

The decision is expected to ensure the continued availability of electricity tariff concessions to tribal farmers and provide much-needed financial support to the agricultural sector in tribal regions.