SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is considering whether to extend the Power Amnesty Scheme that expired on March 31, 2026, with the Power Development Department (PDD) stating that the matter is currently under examination.
The department made the disclosure in response to a question raised by Channapora legislator Mushtaq Guroo in the J&K Legislative Assembly.
Replying to the first part of the question, the government confirmed that the Power Amnesty Scheme had expired on March 31, 2026.
The government was also asked whether domestic consumers were continuing to face financial difficulties in clearing outstanding electricity dues and arrears, particularly because of accumulated interest and surcharge.
In its reply, the PDD said that a good number of domestic consumers still had electricity dues pending as they had been unable to avail themselves of the amnesty scheme before its expiry.
The department was subsequently asked whether the government intended to introduce a fresh amnesty scheme or extend the earlier scheme to provide a waiver of interest and surcharge on the outstanding dues of such domestic consumers.
The PDD said the extension of the amnesty scheme was “being examined by the department on merits”.
The reply, issued on behalf of the Minister in charge of the Power Development Department, did not specify any timeline for a decision on the possible extension or revival of the scheme.
The issue is significant for domestic consumers who were unable to settle their outstanding electricity bills before the previous amnesty scheme ended. Any extension would require a decision by the government on the terms under which interest and surcharge on eligible outstanding dues could be waived.
The department’s response does not, however, confirm that the scheme will be extended or that a fresh amnesty will be introduced. It only states that the proposal is under examination on its merits.
