Srinagar, Mar 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has once again reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fulfilling all promises made in his manifesto, including providing 200 units of free electricity to eligible households .
Responding to concerns raised by legislators during the ongoing Budget Session in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the CM emphasised the government’s intent to fulfill its manifesto promises systematically and responsibly.
“We are committed to delivering on the promises made to the people. As a first step, we will prioritise the poorest and most deserving households, particularly those under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY),” said Abdullah. He further assured that the initiative would be rolled out carefully and gradually, expanding its scope as it progresses.
“The process will begin with the AAY category, but we plan to extend it in the future. Let us begin first, and then we will evaluate its progress. If it doesn’t work, we will reassess,” he added, urging critics to wait until the initiative officially begins before making judgments.
Using a metaphor, he underscored the government’s focus on delivering electricity to the people rather than engaging in political debates.
“Do we care more about milk or the cow? We care about the milk. It doesn’t matter which cow produces it—our goal is to ensure people receive 200 units of electricity,” he said.
On addressing the concerns of electricity bills and arrears, the CM clarified that the government is already implementing an Amnesty Scheme to waive off interest and surcharge components on outstanding electricity bills. The government also plans to adopt the RESCO model for installing solar rooftop systems in AAY households, particularly in hilly areas, which will reduce transmission costs.
In response to queries regarding tariffs, the CM pointed out that electricity rates in Jammu and Kashmir are already heavily subsidized, with tariffs for domestic consumers ranging from ₹2.30 to ₹4.35 per unit, among the lowest in India. For BPL households, the rate is as low as ₹1.40 per unit for up to 30 units per month.
The government plans to integrate solar energy generation at local levels to minimize the cost of electricity distribution. Additionally, targeted beneficiary surveys are underway to ensure the financial viability of the initiative and its sustainable implementation.
