Examiner Bureau |
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday assured people that his government would make every effort to ensure there is no further increase in electricity tariffs during its current tenure, amid growing political criticism over the latest revision in power charges.
Addressing a gathering in north Kashmir, Abdullah said the recent tariff increase had been kept as limited as possible to minimise the additional financial burden on consumers. He maintained that the government was not taking the increase lightly and that efforts would now focus on improving essential services and infrastructure across the Union Territory.
“When these people were in power, when they had to increase the electricity rates, it increased by 13-15 per cent four years ago,” Abdullah said, referring to earlier tariff revisions.
Responding to criticism of the latest increase, the Chief Minister pointed to tariff hikes implemented by previous governments, including during the tenure of the PDP-BJP administration.
Referring to the period when Mehbooba Mufti was Chief Minister, Abdullah said electricity tariffs had increased by around 13.5 to 14 per cent and questioned why similar concerns were not raised at that time.
“Why did you remain silent at that time? At that time, didn’t you feel that injustice was being done to the people?” he asked.
Abdullah, however, said his government would seek to prevent any further increase during its remaining tenure.
“I assure you, my complete effort will be that, God willing, during this government, after this, we will not increase the electricity rates any further. No more than this,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government’s priority would now be to improve basic public services and address infrastructure gaps across Jammu and Kashmir.
Among the areas identified for greater attention are drinking water supply, education, healthcare, roads and horticulture infrastructure.
He also referred to plans for developing a fruit market and addressing other infrastructure requirements in the region, saying such projects would directly benefit local communities and strengthen economic activity.
The emphasis, he suggested, would be on improving public services rather than imposing additional financial pressure on households.
Abdullah also reiterated his government’s commitment to completing the promises made to the people during the remainder of its term.
“All the promises we have made to people, God willing, in the next three and a half years, we will fulfil all those promises and present ourselves to you,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the latest electricity tariff revision has triggered criticism from opposition parties and sections of the public, who have expressed concern about the impact of higher power bills on household budgets.
The Chief Minister’s assurance of no further tariff increase during the current tenure is therefore likely to become an important political message as the government seeks to defend the revision while simultaneously addressing concerns over the rising cost of electricity for consumers.
