Srinagar, Aug 24 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday defended the 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, saying his government had never promised that power rates would not be revised and maintained that the hike was necessitated by losses in the power sector.
Omar said the tariff revision had no bearing on the government’s electoral commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households, adding that the scheme would be implemented through solar panels.
“We said that we will give 200 units to the poorest people for free,” he said while speaking to reporters.
The chief minister said the free power scheme and the tariff revision were two separate issues and assured that eligible beneficiaries would continue to receive the promised free electricity.
“We are not celebrating by increasing the rate of electricity. This was our helplessness,” Omar said, defending the decision.
He said the government was taking measures to bring down losses in the electricity sector, which, he added, would help reduce the need for tariff increases in the future.
Responding to criticism from the BJP, Omar said those opposing the latest hike should also take into account tariff increases during previous governments.
He claimed that electricity rates had risen by more than 14 per cent during the BJP’s period of rule and referred to a 15 per cent increase four years ago.
Omar also cited inflation, fuel prices and the rising cost of goods while justifying the latest revision, saying the increase had been kept within manageable limits.
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir. The revised rates will come into effect from September 1.
The tariff hike has been opposed by the BJP, PDP and Apni Party, which have demanded its withdrawal.(NVI)
