SRINAGAR, Aug 24: J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday defended the recent hike in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the increase was a “compulsion” and the government had never promised that power tariffs would not be increased.
Jammu and Kashmir electricity consumers are set to face higher power bills from September 1, with the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approving a 6.83 per cent hike in tariffs. The tariff hike has triggered protests from the political parties.
“When did we say that the electricity rates will not increase? We said that we will give 200 units of electricity to the poorest and neediest. We will give them 200 units of electricity for free,” Omar told reporters in Srinagar.
He said the government intended to use solar power to fulfil its commitment to free electricity and asserted that the tariff revision would not affect the scheme.
“There is no connection between the price of electricity and this scheme. We will keep providing free electricity to those who need it,” he said.
Taking a dig at the Opposition, Omar reminded those criticising the present tariff hike that previous governments had also raised electricity rates substantially.
“During their rule, the rate of electricity increased by more than 14 percent. At that time, they did not think that this was injustice,” he said, adding that electricity tariffs had also been increased by 15 percent four years ago.
He alleged that the BJP people remained silent at that time.
Omar said the present government had raised tariffs by only six percent after four years, despite a significant rise in inflation and the cost of essential commodities.
“We increased the rate of electricity by only 6 percent. That too after four years. How many other prices increased during that time? How much did the inflation increase? Where did the prices of oil reach? Where did the prices of the goods you buy from the market reach?” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government had increased tariffs only to the extent it considered necessary.
“Look, we are not celebrating by increasing the rate of electricity. This was our compulsion,” Omar said.
He further said the government hoped that improvements in the power sector and a reduction in electricity losses would eventually help avoid such measures.
“And as our losses in electricity decrease, we will not have to take such steps,” he said.
When asked about cabinet reshuffle in J&K, CM Omar they would do it, when the time comes.
“No work is being affected. There is no crisis in government. …When we will have to do reshuffle, we will do, I did not say that it will happen after August 15, leave that decision to me…” he said.
