The National Conference (NC) government faced backlash in Jammu and Kashmir after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved an average 6.83% increase in the retail supply tariff from September 1.
After the elections, the free units were only announced for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households which form a miniscule percentage of the population. Not only the opposition, but even NC’s own Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, lashed out at the Omar Abdullah government. But instead of fulfilling that commitment, people are now facing an increase in electricity tariffs.
The development has triggered anger across Jammu and Kashmir particularly, against the NC government, as it had promised 200 units of free energy in its election manifesto. “We told people that we will give them 200 units of free electricity. But for two years, we were not able to give 200 free units,” he said, adding that before the elections, Omar had said that the meters would be thrown into the river. “The NC government promised 200 units of free electricity to every household.
This is not relief; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in the government,” Sharma said.
“Although, I understand the logic of installing meters. Instead of giving 200 units for free, nearly 7% is being increased. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly, Sunil Sharma, strongly criticised the NC government over the reported 6.83% increase in electricity tariffs, terming the move a betrayal of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
If I raise questions on this I will be criticised,” Rahullah said.
He said the 6.83% tariff hike, expected to come into effect from September 1, would further increase the financial burden on ordinary families already struggling with inflation and rising household expenses.
