Tariff Hike Puts NC's 200-Unit Promise Under Spotlight

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The 6.83 per cent average hike in electricity tariff approved for Jammu and Kashmir has triggered criticism from opposition parties, an NC MP and the business community, with leaders accusing the government of failing to honour its 2024 election promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to households.

The revised tariff, approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), will come into effect from September 1.

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Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma described the hike as a“betrayal” of the people, saying the National Conference had sought votes on the promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to every household.

“The NC government promised 200 units of free electricity to every household. But instead of fulfilling that commitment, people are now facing an increase in electricity tariffs. This is not relief; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in the government,” Sharma said.

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He said the increase would add to the burden on families already dealing with inflation and rising household expenses. Sharma said the BJP would continue to raise the issue and hold the NC-led government accountable for its election commitments.

Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone also termed the tariff revision a“shock”, particularly for consumers who had been promised 200 units of free electricity.

Lone said in a post on X that nearly two years had passed since the Assembly elections but consumers had not received any benefit under the free-power promise.

He further alleged that the government had increased the load in non-metered areas, resulting in higher monthly electricity bills.

NC Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also criticised the hike, saying it contradicted the promises made by the party ahead of the elections.

Ruhullah referred to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's earlier remarks on electricity meters and questioned the decision to raise tariffs instead of providing the promised 200 free units.

PDP MLA from Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Parra said the hike came at a time when unemployment and inflation were already putting pressure on ordinary families.

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“At a time when unemployment is at a peak, inflation is biting hard and ordinary families are struggling to make ends meet, the government has imposed a 6.83 per cent power tariff hike,” Parra said in a post on X.

He also questioned the NC government over its election promises of 200 units of free electricity, free gas and free ration.

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said the tariff hike would further burden people already facing economic difficulties.

Meanwhile, the Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) opposed the increase, warning that higher electricity costs could put additional pressure on traders and businesses.

The traders' body said the hike could have wider economic repercussions for the business community, which is already facing rising operational costs.

The JERC has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in retail electricity tariffs for the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited for 2026-27. The revised rates will remain applicable from September 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

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