Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has defended the recent increase in electricity tariffs, saying the government had never promised that electricity rates would not rise.
Speaking on the issue, Omar Abdullah clarified that the government's commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest and most deserving families remains unchanged. He said the free electricity scheme and the general electricity tariff are two separate matters.
Free Electricity Scheme to Continue
CM Omar said he has repeatedly explained in the Assembly that the government intends to provide the 200-unit free electricity benefit through a solar panel-based scheme.
He stressed that the increase in general electricity rates will not affect those who are entitled to receive the free electricity benefit.
Omar Hits Back at Critics
Responding to criticism over the tariff hike, Omar Abdullah pointed to previous increases in electricity rates under earlier governments.
He said electricity tariffs had previously been increased by more than 14%, while around four years ago rates were raised by approximately 15%. He questioned why those increases were not considered unjust at the time.
Omar said the present government has increased electricity prices by around 6% after a gap of four years, arguing that the hike has been kept to the minimum possible level.
‘Inflation and Fuel Prices Have Also Increased’
The Chief Minister also highlighted the rise in inflation, fuel prices and the cost of essential goods during the past few years.
He said the government has not increased electricity tariffs out of choice and that the decision was taken because of financial and operational necessities in the power sector.
Focus on Reducing Power Losses
Omar Abdullah further said that the government is working to reduce electricity-related losses. According to him, as these losses come down, the need for such measures in the future will also decrease.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to providing 200 units of free electricity to eligible poor families, while maintaining that the general tariff revision was necessary to improve the financial health of the power sector.