New Delhi: Centre today (May 25, 2004) advised States to foot the bill in case they wanted to give free power to farmers, with the new Power Minister P M Sayeed saying even though the Union Government had no such provision, it would adopt a "practical approach" on the subject.

Sayeed, who assumed charge today said, "State Governments wanting to provide free power must provide for it in their Budget," when asked whether the Centre would extend financial help for such measures.

On stepping up public investment in the power sector, Sayeed said under the 10th Plan, public sector would add 34,000 MW of generation capacity against a total target of 41,000 MW.

The Minister also ruled out an immediate review of the Electricity Act as demanded by the Left parties and industrial bodies saying, "I don't think there is a need for a review at this moment."

He said the new Government would accord top priority to rural electrification besides listing out steps for reforms.

The new Congress Government in Andhra Pradesh recently announced free power to farmers with Tamil Nadu following suit.