Wed Apr 01 00:52:20 UTC 2026: ### Daytime Electricity for Irrigation Extended to More Rajasthan Districts

The Story:
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced on Monday night, April 1, 2026, that farmers in the Dausa and Karauli districts of eastern Rajasthan will now receive electricity for irrigation during daytime hours. This expansion brings the total number of districts in the state benefiting from this initiative to 24. The move aligns with the revised state budget for 2024-25, which aimed to improve power supply to agricultural consumers across all 50 districts of Rajasthan.

Key Points:

  • The initiative expands daytime power supply for irrigation to Dausa and Karauli districts under the Jaipur Discom.
  • A total of 24 districts now benefit from the scheme, up from 22.
  • 18 new 33 KV grid sub-stations have been established in Dausa and 6 in Karauli.
  • Transformer capacity has been enhanced by 128.95 MVA across 47 sub-stations in Dausa and by 49.45 MVA across 15 sub-stations in Karauli.
  • 17 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 32 MW have been installed in the two districts under the PM-Kusum Yojana.
  • Approximately 52,400 agricultural consumers in Dausa and 35,300 in Karauli are expected to benefit.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of this announcement, just ahead of Assembly polls (as suggested by the PWD beginning construction of EVM warehouses on March 31, 2026), strongly suggests a politically motivated move to garner support from the farming community. The government is likely attempting to showcase its commitment to rural development and address the long-standing issue of reliable power supply for agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rajasthan government is prioritizing improved power supply for farmers, potentially as a strategic move before upcoming elections.
  • Investments in power infrastructure, including new sub-stations and solar power plants, are being made to support the initiative.
  • The expansion of daytime electricity supply aims to enhance the quality of life for farmers by reducing the need for late-night irrigation and mitigating risks associated with it.
  • The PM-Kusum Yojana is playing a role in expanding solar power capacity in the region, contributing to a more sustainable energy supply.

Impact Analysis:

The long-term impact of this initiative could be significant. Reliable daytime electricity for irrigation can lead to increased agricultural productivity, improved water management, and reduced reliance on traditional, less efficient irrigation methods. This, in turn, could contribute to higher incomes for farmers and greater food security for the state. However, the sustainability of the initiative will depend on the long-term maintenance of the power infrastructure and the continued success of the PM-Kusum Yojana in promoting renewable energy adoption.

Read More

Related News: