Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Government has released funds towards outstanding electricity bills of urban local bodies to support street lighting and drinking water supply across the state ahead of Diwali, according to information from the Urban Development and Housing Department.
The department reportedly allocated Rs 108.74 crore to the state’s three electricity distribution companies to clear outstanding dues of municipal corporations, municipalities and municipal councils.
According to the figures provided, the Central Region Power Distribution Company received Rs 40.96 crore, while the Western Region Power Distribution Company was allocated Rs 39.84 crore. The Eastern Region Power Distribution Company received Rs 27.92 crore.
The payments were made using funds from octroi compensation and covered electricity bills up to October, the department said.
Among urban local bodies, Indore Municipal Corporation had the highest outstanding dues at Rs 23.71 crore. Bhopal Municipal Corporation owed Rs 13.56 crore, followed by Jabalpur at Rs 10.07 crore and Gwalior at Rs 9.94 crore.
Other civic bodies with outstanding dues included Sagar at Rs 1.96 crore, Katni at Rs 1.69 crore and Ratlam at Rs 1.62 crore.
The electricity bills relate primarily to street lighting and drinking water supply, two essential services managed by urban local bodies.
The payment is intended to help civic bodies maintain these services across urban areas of Madhya Pradesh.
