Tangmarg, Aug 25: Assuring that Jammu and Kashmir won’t see any further power tariff hike during his tenure, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the latest revision was imposed out of compulsion and not by choice.
Addressing a gathering here in North Kashmir, CM Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) defended the tariff revision and hit back at opposition parties, saying previous dispensations had significantly hiked electricity rates during their rule.
“I acknowledge the increase in electricity tariffs, but we did not do it out of happiness. It was a compulsion,” CM Omar said, adding that his government had tried to keep the additional burden on consumers to a minimum.
Comparing the latest revision with previous tariff hikes, the Chief Minister said, “When these people were in power, they increased the tariff by 13-15 per cent four years ago.”
Referring specifically to the PDP-BJP coalition government, CM Omar said, “When Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba was the Chief Minister, the electricity rates were increased by 13.5 to 14 per cent.”
Questioning the criticism of the latest hike, the Chief Minister asked why similar objections were not raised when previous regimes increased the rates. “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.
CM Omar assured consumers that his government would not increase electricity tariffs further.
“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 would now focus on improving basic services and infrastructure, including drinking water, schools, healthcare, roads and horticulture infrastructure.
He also reiterated that his government would fulfil the commitments made to the people during the remaining three-and-a-half years of its term. (KNO)
