SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is examining an extension of the Power Amnesty Scheme to provide relief to domestic electricity consumers who have been unable to clear their outstanding dues within the stipulated period, the Power Development Department has informed the Legislative Assembly.
The department said a substantial portion of outstanding dues had been recovered from domestic consumers, including those belonging to weaker sections, under the scheme.
Replying to a starred question by Reasi MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, the government said the proposed extension of the amnesty scheme was currently being examined “on merits”.
The question had sought details on whether consumers who had paid a substantial part of their dues but could not meet the remaining instalments because of financial constraints would be given relief through a reduction or waiver of subsequently accrued surcharge or interest, or an extension of the repayment period.
On relief for small businesses, shopkeepers and other commercial consumers whose electricity connections had been disconnected despite part-payment of outstanding dues, the department said DISCOMs were facilitating payment of long-pending arrears through instalments.
The government said connections were restored once consumers began clearing their outstanding dues in instalments, subject to an undertaking that the remaining amount would also be paid through mutually agreed instalments.
The department said the arrangement was aimed at facilitating recovery of outstanding revenue while allowing consumers to liquidate their arrears through instalment payments.
