SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the government had never promised that electricity rates would not increase, adding that the provision of 200 units of free electricity would be implemented through a solar scheme.
He maintained that the tariff revision had no connection with the free-power scheme.
Speaking to reporters, CM Omar, said the government had increased electricity rates by 6.83 per cent after four years, while pointing out that rates had previously been increased by more than 14 per cent under earlier governments and by around 15 per cent four years ago.
“We increased the rates by as little as we could. We are not celebrating the increase in electricity rates. It was a compulsion for us,” he said, adding that the need for such measures would reduce as losses in the power sector decline.
On the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle, Omar said it would be carried out whenever required, clarifying that he had only ruled out the possibility of a reshuffle before August 15.
“There is no crisis in the government. Our work is going on. When there is a need for a reshuffle, we will do it,” he said.
Responding to a query about threats reportedly received by Kashmiri Pandit employees, Omar termed the issue a matter of concern and urged the police, security and intelligence agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
“Such threats should not be taken lightly. Ensuring the safety and security of our employees is a major responsibility of the police,” he said.
Referring to incidents in the past when Pandit employees were targeted, Omar said the authorities must ascertain the source of the fresh threats and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.
He added that law and order and security fall under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, while urging the concerned agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. (KNO)
