SRINAGAR: MLA Budgam district, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah for a one-time waiver of outstanding electricity bills for domestic consumers, citing widespread financial hardship.
In his letters, Mehdi highlighted that many families are struggling due to rising unemployment, inflation, and declining household incomes, making it difficult for them to clear accumulated electricity arrears. He noted that unpaid bills have become a source of constant anxiety, especially for economically vulnerable households in rural and semi-urban areas.
Pointing to the region’s harsh and prolonged winters, Mehdi said electricity is a necessity rather than a luxury, essential for heating, lighting, and day-to-day household activities. He described penalising higher electricity consumption during winter—when alternative heating options are limited—as “deeply unjust.”
The MLA also criticised the recent introduction of electric meters, claiming the process lacked adequate public awareness, sufficient transition time, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms. He said many households were unprepared for the steep bills that followed the installation of meters and were being unfairly burdened.
Emphasising that good governance listens to the most vulnerable, Mehdi argued that a one-time waiver would provide immediate relief and help restore public trust. He urged authorities to consider the request with empathy and in the larger public interest.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on last Friday that there will be no general increase in electricity tariffs across the Union Territory for the current financial year. The statement came amid concerns over a proposed 20 per cent additional charge on electricity consumption during morning and evening hours.
