 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 24: Senior Congress leader and former DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony, strongly criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government over the 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, describing the decision as a "cruel betrayal" of people already struggling with inflation, unemployment and rising household expenses.
The revised tariffs, approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, will come into effect from September 1, 2026. Domestic consumers will now pay Rs 2.45 per unit for consumption up to 200 units, Rs 4.20 for 201-400 units and Rs 4.60 beyond 400 units. The average tariff increase across categories has been fixed at 6.83 per cent.
Tony asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his ministers to "read their election manifesto not once, but twice" before imposing any additional financial burden on the public.
"You approached the people with the promise of providing 200 units of free electricity. After securing their mandate, you have done exactly the opposite by increasing power tariffs. People voted for relief, but they are being punished with higher bills. This is not public welfare; it is a betrayal of public trust," Tony said.
He alleged that the elected government was attempting to hide behind the bureaucratic structure instead of accepting political responsibility for the decision.
"The government is in power and has the authority to protect consumers through subsidies and welfare measures. It cannot take credit for every positive development and then blame files, departments, regulators or bureaucrats whenever an anti-people decision is taken," he said.
Tony also raised the long-pending demand for a comprehensive power amnesty for poor households, farmers, small traders and small-scale entrepreneurs who are struggling to clear accumulated electricity dues.
"Thousands of consumers are waiting for an amnesty, but the concerned file appears to have been hidden somewhere in the Secretariat. Rather than providing them a reasonable settlement mechanism, the government is increasing tariffs and pushing vulnerable families further into debt," he alleged.
The Congress leader said the hike would particularly affect daily wagers, pensioners, farmers, border residents and small business owners. He warned that higher electricity costs would also increase the operating expenses of shops and small industries, eventually adding to the prices paid by ordinary consumers.
"At a time when Jammu and Kashmir requires better schools, improved healthcare, employment opportunities, dependable civic amenities and support for struggling businesses, the government is focused on extracting more money from the public. Its priorities are completely misplaced," Tony said.
He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the tariff hike, implementation of the promised 200 units of free electricity and introduction of a transparent, comprehensive power amnesty.
"Manifestos are solemn commitments, not disposable election pamphlets. If the government cannot fulfil its promises, it must at least stop adding to the suffering of the people," Tony added. |
