SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to extend the power amnesty scheme for domestic consumers till March 31, 2026, but has urged the administration to extend similar benefits to commercial power users across the Union Territory.
While appreciating what it called a “timely relief” for households, the Chamber said thousands of commercial establishments — from small shops and service providers to hotels, industrial units, and offices — remain under mounting financial stress due to accumulated power dues. It warned that the continuing burden of unpaid bills poses a threat to business continuity, employment, and economic stability in the region.
Although the J&K government had earlier announced an amnesty for commercial power consumers, KCCI said it was never implemented on the ground. The Chamber argued that a fully operational amnesty scheme for this category would provide crucial financial respite, prevent business closures, and aid economic recovery.
“Such a measure would also encourage timely compliance in the future and improve the overall revenue collection environment in the power sector,” the Chamber said, urging that commercial consumers be given the same consideration as domestic users.
KCCI noted that businesses in the region have endured prolonged disruptions caused by successive lockdowns, pandemic-related losses, and depressed demand cycles, leaving them in need of targeted support to regain financial footing.
Expressing hope that the government would take a “sympathetic and pragmatic” approach, the Chamber said an amnesty for commercial consumers would send a strong signal of support to the business community.
