Chennai, March 14 The Tamil Nadu government announced on Saturday that it would provide a subsidy of Rs 2 per unit of electricity for restaurants, hotels, and tea shops that switch to electric stoves instead of commercial LPG cylinders to operate their businesses.
Chief Minister M K Stalin has been holding review meetings since the conflict in West Asia began on February 28, which has led to a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders for eateries, the government said.
At a review meeting held on Saturday, it was decided to provide a subsidy of Rs 2 per unit for the additional electricity consumed by hotels, tea shops, and cloud kitchens using induction stoves.
"This subsidy will remain in effect as long as the Centre's restrictions on commercial LPG usage are in place," Additional Chief Secretary J Radhakrishnan said.
Briefing reporters at the Secretariat here, he said that electricity consumption by hoteliers and restaurants has increased, with demand rising by about 50 MW above the average in recent days.
Referring to the 60,698 factories operating in the State after obtaining consent from the State Pollution Control board, Radhakrishnan, who is also the Chairman and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd, said that henceforth these factories do not require additional certificates from the Pollution Control Board to use alternative fuels like kerosene.
"They just need to inform the Pollution Control Board about the use of alternative fuels. This exemption will be in effect until the Government's restrictions come to an end," he said.
Pointing out that the Centre has prioritized the supply of commercial LPG cylinders to hospitals and educational institutions, he said a state-level committee, led by the Chief Secretary, has been formed to monitor the systematic allocation of LPG cylinders to commercial establishments.
"Similarly, district-level committees led by District Collectors, including responsible officers from oil marketing companies, will monitor the situation locally," he said.
To help MSMEs cope with the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, the government has announced loans for the purchase of electrical equipment, such as induction stoves and heaters, under the Unemployed Youth Employment Generation Programme (UYEGP).
Under this scheme, a 25 per cent subsidy (up to Rs 3.75 lakh) will be provided to MSMEs.
He also mentioned that under the Tamil Nadu Women Entrepreneurs Development Scheme, a 25 per cent subsidy up to Rs 2 lakh for loans up to Rs 10 lakh will be provided.
To support the farming community and prevent disruption in vegetable sales due to reduced demand from restaurants, Radhakrishnan said that farmers will be allowed to sell their produce in 194 'Uzhavar Sandhais' without any restrictions.
Radhakrishnan also said that orders have been issued to provide an additional 3,228 kilo litres of kerosene to family ration cardholders under the Public Distribution System this month.