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Sidingwa Rural Municipality in Taplejung has announced that, starting from the fiscal year 2026/27, it will provide a 50 percent subsidy on electricity bills to consumers using up to 50 units of electricity per month. The provision was included in the policy and program unveiled during the municipality’s 19th Rural Assembly.

Presenting the policy and program at the assembly held on Sunday, Rural Municipality Chairperson Man Bahadur Rai said the subsidy scheme aims to provide relief to low- and middle-income families. According to him, only consumers using up to 50 units of electricity per month will be eligible for the benefit, while those exceeding this threshold will not qualify for the subsidy.

According to Information Officer Rudra Begha, more than 2,500 households within the municipality are expected to benefit from the program, as they consume up to 50 units of electricity monthly. The decision is expected to help reduce the financial burden on residents in rural areas.

The municipality has also prioritized agriculture by announcing the launch of the “One Household, One Kitchen Garden, Organic Vegetables” campaign. Chairperson Rai said several initiatives have been introduced to increase local production, promote agricultural self-sufficiency, and encourage farmers.

Similarly, to strengthen the “Healthy Soil, Healthy Production” and “Healthy Kitchen, Healthy Life” programs, the municipality will continue soil testing and laboratory services, promote the production and use of organic fertilizers, and provide subsidies in the livestock sector.

Meanwhile, the rural municipality has unveiled a budget of Rs. 530.826 million for the fiscal year 2026/27. Presenting the budget at the assembly, Vice Chairperson Krishna Kumari Kandariya stated that priority has been given to electricity bill subsidies, agricultural production enhancement, promotion of organic farming, and programs aimed at improving the living standards of local residents.

Jalasarokar