SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday assured people that his government would not raise electricity tariffs further during its current tenure, saying efforts would instead focus on improving basic services and infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering in north Kashmir, Abdullah said the recent tariff revision had been kept limited to minimise the additional financial burden on consumers. He also pointed to previous increases in electricity rates under earlier governments.
“When these people were in power, when they had to increase the electricity rates, it increased by 13-15 per cent four years ago,” he said.
Referring to the previous PDP-BJP government, Abdullah said electricity tariffs had risen by around 13.5 to 14 per cent when Mehbooba Mufti was Chief Minister.
“Why did you remain silent at that time? At that time, didn’t you feel that injustice was being done to the people?” he asked while responding to criticism of the latest revision.
Abdullah said he would make every effort to ensure there was no further increase in power tariffs during the present government’s tenure.
“I assure you, my complete effort will be that, God willing, during this government, after this, we will not increase the electricity rates any further. No more than this,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government would now concentrate on improving drinking water supplies, schools, healthcare facilities, roads and horticulture infrastructure.
He said work would also include developing a fruit market and addressing other local infrastructure requirements.
Abdullah further reiterated that his government would seek to complete the commitments made to the people during its remaining term.
“All the promises we have made to people, God willing, in the next three and a half years, we will fulfil all those promises and present ourselves to you,” he said.
The remarks come amid political criticism of the recent electricity tariff revision in Jammu and Kashmir, with opposition parties and other groups raising concerns over its impact on consumers.
