Reduction in subsidy to set up biogas plants raises concerns

The subsidy rates were reduced owing to a policy change
A file picture of a biogas plant in an apartment
A file picture of a biogas plant in an apartment

TIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The recent government decision to reduce the subsidy for setting up biogas plant in houses may lead to citizens withdrawing from installing such units. The City Corporation was forced to reduce the subsidy rates for installation of biogas plants from C6,375 to C5,000 per unit following the government decision in February. The Corporation is taking up many initiatives as part of its ‘My City Beautiful City’ project. One such initiative was setting up biogas plant by individuals. At the time of launch, the Corporation had offered a subsidy of C6,375 per unit to the beneficiaries under the scheme. 

Sukumaran Nair, a resident of Poojappura, has installed a biogas plant on his house premises at a cost of C20,000 in October 2017. He applied for subsidy under the Corporation scheme in November. 
“For the past six to seven months I have been coming to the Corporation to get the subsidy, many times I had to return as no officials were present at the health wing. Finally, when I got my file cleared during the adalat on Thursday, I came to know the subsidy has been reduced to C5,000,” said Sukumaran, who’s is relieved nevertheless.

Though the biogas plant has many benefits, the installation rate is a bit high. At present, the biogas plant is the only mode of source-level waste management for which the Corporation offers subsidy. “Reduction in subsidy rate may create an impression among the citizens that  the civic body is not supporting them in this mission.

Investing more sums in terms of subsidy would ensure future gains for the Corporation,” said a Corporation official who does not want to be named. As of now, the beneficiary, after paying the amount for installation from an agency, needs to produce the bill and the civic body will provide the subsidy after inspection.

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