Srinagar, Jan 19: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman and former minister on Sunday expressed serious concerns over the recent erratic hikes in power tariffs, saying this is affecting residents in non-metered and flat-rate areas. He said many households are struggling to cope with inflated power bills.
In a statement issued here, Yaseen said the sudden increase in power tariffs is alarming. He urged the government to take immediate action to alleviate the burden on consumers.
“Common people are unable to pay these exorbitant power bills which have made their lives increasingly difficult,” he said. He called for the government to implement a minimum of a 50 percent reduction in existing power rates to provide much-needed relief to affected households.
The PDF chief said, “On one hand, people are suffering from unscheduled power outages, and on the other, the Power Development Department (PDD) is issuing inflated bills that further strain household finances.” He said that in a welfare state, the government has an obligation to ensure the provision of basic services to its citizens without expecting financial returns.
“The entire Jammu and Kashmir region is grappling with an unprecedented power crisis. The government has utterly failed to provide respite to consumers from the ongoing power troubles,” Hakeem said, adding that the administration must prioritise the welfare of its citizens over economic considerations.
Meanwhile, Hakeem Yaseen expressed condolences over the demise of the aunt of Maqsood Ahmad, the noted broadcaster and Editor of the AIR Srinagar current affairs programme ‘Sheherbeen’.
In his condolence message, he extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul. The former minister also prayed for strength and patience for the grieving family to endure their loss during this challenging time.
