SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has disclosed that outstanding and recoverable power dues across departments and security establishments in the Union Territory have surged to Rs 3,747.35 crore, with major liabilities concentrated in key infrastructure and security-linked entities.
According to official data tabled in the Assembly in response to a starred question by MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, the dues include Rs 2,310.22 crore under Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Rs 1,437.13 crore under Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL).
The government said that the power distribution companies (DISCOMs) are “vigorously following” with defaulting departments and establishments for recovery of the outstanding amounts.
Among civilian departments, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department accounts for the highest dues at Rs 1,300.43 crore, followed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department with Rs 580.60 crore.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has outstanding dues of Rs 144.49 crore, while municipal bodies collectively owe Rs 241.64 crore. The Power Development Department (PDD) itself has dues amounting to Rs 107.56 crore, and its corporation wing adds another Rs 22.77 crore. Home Department has an outstanding of Rs 223.06 crore. The department is basically the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
In the social sectors, the Health and Medical Education Department has accumulated dues of Rs 182.34 crore, while the Education Department owes Rs 28.66 crore. The Irrigation Department has pending liabilities of Rs 580 crore. Muncipliaties across Jammu and Kashmir have Rs 241 crore in arrears. Interestingly power department itself has not paid Rs 107 crore itself.
Security and central establishments form a substantial portion of the outstanding dues. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) alone accounts for Rs 296.38 crore, while the Army has dues of Rs 197.20 crore. The Border Security Force (BSF) owes Rs 11.76 crore.
Other central agencies include Prasar Bharati Corporation with Rs 4.61 crore, Post and Telegraph Department with Rs 6.27 crore, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with over Rs 0.51 crore.
Among public sector undertakings, JK Cements has dues of Rs 54.01 crore, while SRTC and other entities contribute smaller but notable amounts. Development authorities such as Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) and Jammu Development Authority (JDA/UDA) also feature in the defaulters’ list.
The Tourism Department owes Rs 28.73 crore, while the Forest Department has dues of Rs 9.99 crore.
The government said that DISCOMs are actively pursuing recovery through departmental coordination and follow-ups. However, no coercive or punitive measures were detailed in the reply.
The data underscores the structural challenge in revenue realization within the power sector in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly due to heavy dues from government departments and security establishments.
