The Rajasthan government Thursday hiked power tariff by around 10.5 percent under various categories, drawing flak from domestic and agricultural consumers.

While announcing the power tariff hike for all categories of users at a press conference here, Rajasthan Energy Minister Gajendra Singh Kheemswar said the increase would be applicable from May 1, 2005.

The most hit are the domestic consumers for whom the tariff has increased by almost 31 percent. For agricultural consumers, it has been hiked by 22 percent.

The minister also announced various relief packages for consumers living below the poverty line (BPL) and in rural areas. Minor relief packages were also provided for small farmers and industries.

Rakesh Bhardwaj, an executive working in a publishing house, was unhappy with the state government's decision to raise the tariff.

"I don't think it is justified. I am ready to pay more provided the government gives me an assurance of quality and uninterrupted power supply," he said.

Rajasthan suffers from high transmission and distribution losses, estimated at over 40 percent. Various cities and towns in the state suffer power cuts.

Rajat Gupta, a local shopkeeper, said the government's decision seems unfair.

"We have to run air-conditioners for almost 10-12 hours daily in our shops as the city is experiencing the worst summer. And this hike would certainly put an extra burden on us," he said.

Rameshwar Chaudhari, a farmer, was also critical of the government's decision. "It is totally unjustified. They can't even provide us electricity for six hours daily. How can they even think of raising the tariff?"

"It is better the government cuts my power connection," he added.