New Delhi, Dec 19 (KNN) Gujarat government has announced to write off electricity bills of connection holders in rural areas to the tune of Rs 6.5 billion. However, the benefit wouldn’t be extended to industries with regard to this.

Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabh Patel, who announced the one-time settlement scheme for this, said “Today, electricity connection of around 6.22 lakh consumers has been cut; they can deposit Rs 500 under a one-time settlement scheme and get back their connection.”

With this move, 622,000 people would benefit from the scheme, he added.

In urban areas both BPL and non-BPL families will be able to avail this benefit, industries will not be given this benefit. The government will have to bear a burden of Rs 625 crore, the minister said.