The Government of Pakistan is considering replacing the free electricity facility given to electricity company officials with a financial compensation. According to a recent media report with reference to sources that the Cabinet Committee on Energy is likely to approve a summary of the Power Division in the upcoming meeting, which recommends stopping the provision of monthly free units to officers of Grade 17 to Grade 21. The report also states that ending the facility of free units will save the government more than 6 billion rupees annually. Sources say that instead of 450 free units, grade 17 officers will get 15,858 rupees per month, grade 18 officers will get 21,996 rupees instead of 600 free units and grade 19 officers will get 880 per month. It is recommended to give Rs.37,594 instead of free units.

The government has been seeking to reduce its spending on electricity subsidies, which have been a major burden on the budget in recent years. The decision to replace the free electricity facility with financial compensation is likely to be met with mixed reactions. On the one hand, it could be seen as a positive step towards reducing government spending. On the other hand, it could also be seen as a reduction in benefits for electricity company officials. It will be interesting to see how the decision is implemented and what the impact is on both the government and electricity company officials.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)