Not in interest of farmers: MNM chief Kamal Haasan on Electricity Amendment Bill

In a statement, he said the bill aimed at revoking free electricity provided to Tamil Nadu farmers and worked against their interest.

The Centre issued a draft proposal for the amendment of Electricity Act, 2003, in the form of draft Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 on April 17 and invited comments from stakeholders within 21 days. The deadline was later extended till June 2.

Earlier TN Chief Minister Palaniswami also said the proposed amendment bill seeks to take away the power of the State Government in deciding the constitution of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission. He said the proposed new draft bill seeks to privatise not just the supply of power to the end consumer through franchisees but to also privatise the entire distribution network.

Kamal Haasan alleged the central government was imposing burden on farmers who are already struggling on many fronts. He therefore urged the Centre to withdraw the Electricity Amendment Bill.