Maharashtra, India- The Maharashtra government has renewed the exemption from electricity duty for industries in the backward regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada. A notification issued by the Department of Industry, Energy, Labour, and Mining on July 11 extended this exemption until May 2029. The previous exemption expired on March 31, 2024, and industry leaders in these regions requested an extension.

The notification stated that for balanced development across the state, it is important to promote new industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada and help existing ones stay competitive. The electricity duty rebate aims to achieve both goals.

The previous five-year exemption period had ended, making a new notification necessary. The delay in issuing it was due to the general election, during which no new policy decisions could be made because of the model code of conduct.

On July 5, 2024, the cabinet committee approved the Energy Department's proposal to extend the electricity duty exemption for new and existing industries. However, the issue of duty reimbursement for the three months from April to June 2024 will be resolved by adjusting future payments, although the notification did not provide clear details on this.