Punjab Farmers Protest Electricity Bill with Tractor Rally
Farmers in Punjab protest Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with tractor rally.
Photo by Arthur Lambillotte
Key Facts
Protest: Electricity (Amendment) Bill
Organizer: Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)
Demands: MSP guarantee, MGNREGA restoration
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper III (Economy): Infrastructure, energy
Links to agricultural economics and farmer welfare
Potential for questions on government policies and regulatory frameworks
Visual Insights
Tractor Rally Protests in Punjab
Map showing the locations of tractor rally protests organized by farmers in Punjab against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
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More Information
Background
The history of electricity legislation in India dates back to the Indian Electricity Act of 1910, which primarily focused on regulating the supply and use of electricity. Post-independence, the Electricity (Supply) Act of 1948 aimed to promote coordinated development of electricity. The Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act of 1998 established regulatory bodies at the central and state levels to rationalize tariffs and promote competition.
The landmark Electricity Act of 2003 sought to consolidate the laws relating to electricity, promote competition, protect consumer interests, and ensure rural electrification. This act paved the way for private sector participation and open access in transmission and distribution. Subsequent amendments and policy interventions have aimed to address challenges such as financial distress of distribution companies (DISCOMs) and promote renewable energy adoption.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the power sector has witnessed significant developments, including the UDAY scheme for DISCOM turnaround, the push for smart metering, and the promotion of renewable energy through various policies and incentives. The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which preceded the 2025 bill, aimed to introduce reforms such as multiple distribution licensees in the same area and strengthening the regulatory framework.
These reforms have faced opposition from farmer groups and some states, raising concerns about potential impacts on subsidies, tariffs, and the financial viability of DISCOMs. The future outlook involves continued focus on renewable energy integration, grid modernization, and addressing the financial sustainability of the power sector while balancing the interests of various stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and why is it important?
The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as per the provided context, is a piece of proposed legislation concerning the electricity sector. It is important because it may bring changes to how electricity is distributed and regulated, affecting farmers and other consumers.
2. What are the key demands of the farmers protesting against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025?
The protesting farmers, under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), are demanding the withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, the Seeds Bill 2025, repeal of labour codes, restoration of MGNREGA, and a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) on crops.
3. Who organized the tractor rally protest in Punjab, and what was its primary focus?
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) organized the tractor rally protest in Punjab. The primary focus was to protest against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
4. How might the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, impact common citizens?
The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, could impact common citizens through potential changes in electricity pricing, availability, and service quality. The specifics would depend on the actual provisions of the bill.
5. What is the historical background of electricity legislation in India?
The history of electricity legislation in India dates back to the Indian Electricity Act of 1910, followed by the Electricity (Supply) Act of 1948, and the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act of 1998. These acts aimed to regulate electricity supply, promote coordinated development, and establish regulatory bodies.
6. What are the recent developments in the power sector in India?
Recent developments in the power sector include the UDAY scheme for DISCOM turnaround, the push for smart metering, and the promotion of renewable energy through various policies and incentives.
7. What is MGNREGA, and why are farmers demanding its restoration?
MGNREGA refers to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Farmers are demanding its restoration, likely due to its role in providing rural employment and income, which can be crucial for agricultural laborers and small farmers.
8. What are the potential pros and cons of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025?
The potential pros of the Bill could include increased efficiency, competition, and investment in the power sector. Cons might involve concerns about affordability for vulnerable populations and potential negative impacts on state-owned distribution companies. These are based on general expectations of such bills.
9. What are the key facts to remember about the recent farmers' protest in Punjab for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For the UPSC Prelims, remember that the protest was against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, organized by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). Key demands include MSP guarantee and MGNREGA restoration.
10. Why is the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the news recently?
The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is in the news recently due to the protests organized by farmers in Punjab, who are demanding its withdrawal along with other related demands.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025: 1. It proposes to allow multiple distribution companies (DISCOMs) to operate in the same area. 2. It aims to eliminate all electricity subsidies for agricultural consumers. 3. It mandates the privatization of all state-owned DISCOMs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Bill proposes to allow multiple DISCOMs in the same area to foster competition and improve service quality. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Bill does NOT aim to eliminate all subsidies, but rather to streamline them through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Bill does NOT mandate privatization, but encourages private sector participation. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.
2. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), mentioned in the news, was also prominently involved in which of the following events?
- A.Anti-corruption movement of 2011
- B.Protests against the Land Acquisition Act, 2013
- C.Farmers' protest against the Farm Laws, 2020-21
- D.Narmada Bachao Andolan
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) is an umbrella body of farmer unions that spearheaded the year-long protests against the three Farm Laws enacted by the central government in 2020. These protests led to the eventual repeal of the laws in November 2021. The SKM continues to advocate for farmers' rights and address issues related to agriculture policy.
3. Which of the following committees/commissions is/are related to reforms in the power sector in India? 1. N.K. Singh Committee 2. Vijay Kelkar Committee 3. Montek Singh Ahluwalia Committee Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
The N.K. Singh Committee was related to the review of the FRBM Act, which indirectly impacts the power sector due to its influence on government spending. The Montek Singh Ahluwalia Committee has also addressed infrastructure issues, including power sector reforms. The Vijay Kelkar Committee primarily focused on tax reforms and fiscal consolidation, not directly on the power sector. Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.