Waive fixed electricity charges for food processing industry during lockdown, says Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has written to all State Chief Ministers urging them to provide relief in electricity charges to the industry which is facing liquidity crunch due to lockdown.

The Minister said that the industry has sought exemption of fixed electricity charges for their cold stores and power bills to be based on actual usage. Ms. Badal urged all Chief Ministers to analyse power tariffs and provide suitable relief to the food processing industry.

“The food processing industry ensures a seamless supply of food to consumers. On the other hand, the livelihood of lakhs of farmers is dependent on the uptake of their produce by the industries,” she said while emphasising on the importance of this sector in the overall economy.