Nitish Kumar promises 125 free electricity units Bihar.

Nitish Kumar promises 125 free electricity units Bihar.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that the government will install solar power plants on rooftops or in nearby public areas of domestic consumers within the next three years. This initiative aims to promote renewable energy and reduce dependence on traditional electricity sources. The decision is part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable energy solutions and lower electricity costs for households. The project will be implemented across both urban and rural areas, ensuring wider access to clean energy. The government also intends to provide necessary support and subsidies to encourage public participation in the rooftop solar scheme.

Nitish Kumar Announces Free Electricity Up to 125 Units Ahead of Bihar Elections

The announcement, made through his official handle on social media platform ‘X’ early in the morning, comes just months before the crucial state assembly elections.

In his post, he wrote. According to the Chief Minister, this move will benefit an estimated 1.67 crore families across the state.

Solar Power Push for Sustainable Energy

In a parallel announcement that complements the free electricity scheme, Nitish Kumar also laid out the government’s vision for solar energy adoption. Over the next three years, the state plans to install solar power plants on the rooftops of domestic consumers or in nearby public spaces—with their consent—to ensure long-term sustainability and reduced pressure on the electricity grid.

public places to provide benefits,” Mr. Kumar added in the post.

Notably, the state’s Kutir Jyoti scheme, aimed at supporting extremely poor families, will bear the entire cost of solar power plant installation for those eligible. For the rest of the population, the government has promised to offer appropriate financial assistance and technical support to encourage widespread adoption of solar energy solutions.

Political Reactions and Comparisons

The announcement has unsurprisingly triggered political conversations and comparisons, especially with the promises made by the opposition. Speaking to the press, senior RJD leader Shakti Singh said that the move appears to be a direct response to the promises made earlier by opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav.

“If there is an opposition leader like Tejashwi Yadav, the government will have to bow down.

He further added, “Just like how our leader had earlier promised to increase the old-age pension from ₹400 to ₹1,500, and Nitish Ji eventually implemented it, the government is now implementing Tejashwi’s vision again. We are confident that even the ₹2,500 monthly assistance to women under the Mai-Bahin Samman Yojna will be taken up next.”

This tug-of-war between Nitish Kumar’s administration and Tejashwi Yadav’s opposition continues to define Bihar’s political landscape as both leaders compete to woo voters with socially impactful schemes. Both camps have increasingly focused on promises related to electricity, pensions, and financial aid, especially targeted at economically weaker sections and women.

Budgetary Considerations and Future Plans

Later in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also handles the state’s finance portfolio, is expected to address the media and present detailed financial implications of the free electricity scheme.

While official figures on the expected cost are awaited, energy analysts believe that such a policy could run into thousands of crores annually, depending on household consumption patterns and grid pricing structures. However, with solar infrastructure plans running in parallel, the government hopes to balance out some of this expenditure in the long term by cutting dependency on thermal energy sources and reducing subsidy loads.

Energy experts have generally welcomed the push towards solar, calling it a necessary shift given the state’s rising power demand and environmental challenges. “This is a smart move. Short-term relief to consumers combined with long-term investment in renewable energy is the right direction for any state aiming at inclusive and sustainable growth,” said Dr. Anil Mishra, an energy policy specialist at Patna University.

People's Response and Expectations

The response on the ground has been largely positive, especially among lower-income groups and rural households. For families already struggling to meet rising costs of living, a monthly saving on electricity could bring much-needed relief. Many have also shown interest in rooftop solar panels, provided the process remains simple and affordable.

“Our bills are usually around 90–100 units a month. If this becomes free, it will save us ₹300–400 every month. That’s a big help for a small family like ours,” said Rita Devi, a resident of Vaishali.

However, some residents have also expressed concerns about whether the implementation will be smooth, especially in remote areas where electricity supply remains irregular.

A Defining Move Before the Elections?

As Bihar prepares for a closely watched assembly election, the free electricity announcement marks a significant development that could influence voting patterns. Whether voters see it as a genuine welfare measure or a political maneuver will become clear in the weeks ahead.

Either way, the Nitish Kumar-led government has clearly sent out a message that it is prepared to double down on social welfare and renewable energy as cornerstones of its governance agenda. The next few months will reveal how these announcements play out—both on the ground and at the ballot box.