SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday defended his government’s decision to deliver on its promise of 200 units of free electricity through rooftop solar installations, telling the Legislative Assembly that the method of generating power should not be questioned as long as the commitment to the people is honoured.
Addressing members during the Budget session, Abdullah said his government was conscious that the promise of free electricity was directly linked to its credibility. “We had promised 200 units of free electricity. If I fail to provide this, it becomes a question of credibility for us,” he said.
He clarified that the promise was never tied to any specific mode of power generation. “We never told people that we would produce this electricity from coal, water or wind. If we install solar panels on rooftops and pay the bill to the central government, what is wrong with that?” he asked.
The Chief Minister said the solar initiative had been rolled out initially for beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category and would be expanded to other sections as the financial position of the Union Territory improves. “At least we have started, and we have started in this financial year itself,” he said.
Abdullah added that the government had been working across sectors to fulfil its manifesto commitments. He said steps had been taken in areas such as social welfare, ration distribution, education, health and the passage of a resolution on special status.
“There was no issue in our manifesto that we have not addressed in some form,” he said, asserting that the government was making efforts within its capacity to honour its electoral promises.
