Oppn members raise doubts over scheme, benefit to all
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: As some opposition members accused the National Conference Government of befooling people over its poll promise of providing 200 units free electricity to each household, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his Government’s commitment to fulfil all promises in election manifesto, including the free electricity to deserving.
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“My Government is promise-bound to implement all its election promises including giving 200 units of free electricity to eligible households,” he said , while replying to supplementary of clubbed questions by Sajad Gani Lone of People’s Conference, BJP’s Narinder Singh Raina and Independent Shabir Ahmad Kullay.
As Sajad Lone reminded that 200 unit free electricity was promised for all households while only AAY category is being provided this benefit, the Chief Minister said that ambit of the scheme will be extended to include more people in a systematic manner.
“As a first step, the Government has prioritized the poorest and most deserving households, ensuring that the initiative is rolled out systemically,” he said, and added that objective of the Government is to give 200 unit free electricity by devising ways and necessary modifications in the scheme.
“We are not distorting facts—nor have we done so in the past, nor will we do so now. This process will take place systematically. Naturally, we will begin with those who are the poorest and most deserving. We are prioritizing the AAY category, but in the future, we will expand its scope. This is just the beginning,” he further said.
Addressing concerns and skepticism regarding the initiative’s feasibility, the Chief Minister urged critics to withhold judgment until the process officially begins.
“Some are quick to dismiss this initiative, saying it won’t work—even before it has started. Let it begin first. Then, we will evaluate its progress. If it doesn’t work, we will reassess. But our intention is clear: to provide electricity to the people,” he said.
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.
Responding to the opposition members’ demand for a timeline, the CM said: “Some ask, ‘Will you provide electricity, and if so, when?’ The answer to such a question cannot be reduced to a single word. Because this is question number two. And the answer to question number two is not just a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”
Regarding the Amnesty Scheme for electricity arrears, the Chief Minister stated that the Government is considering modifications to improve its effectiveness. “If we can establish a principle-based approach to these modifications, we will implement them,” he assured.
Earlier, responding to the clubbed questions, the CM provided details on the implementation framework.
He said that the Government will provide 200 units of free electricity to all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojna (PMSGBY). The initiative aims to reduce financial burdens and improve quality of life for economically weaker sections. The implementation will be carried out through the RESCO/Utility-Led Aggregation Model or another financially viable framework, he explained.
Regarding electricity tariffs, the CM clarified that consumers in J&K already receive heavily subsidized rates, especially in the domestic category.
The current tariff for domestic consumers ranges from Rs 2.30 per unit (for up to 200 units per month) to Rs 4.35 per unit, among the lowest in the country. For the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, the rate is even lower—Rs 1.40 per unit for up to 30 units per month.
Metered consumers are charged based on actual consumption, while unmetered consumers are billed on a flat-rate basis as per their sanctioned/agreed load. On the issue of waiving excessive electricity bills, the CM explained that unpaid bills over months or years result in arrears accumulation.
“To streamline billing and collection systems, the Government has provided an opportunity to waive the interest/surcharge component on outstanding electricity arrears under the ongoing Amnesty Scheme,” he said.
As BJP’s Narinder Singh sought to know whether principal amount in the outstanding electricity arrears will be reduced, the Chief Minister said that the Government plans to extend the scheme with modifications, as announced, ensuring that consumers across all districts benefit. The Government has also decided to adopt the RESCO model for installing Solar Roof Top Systems (SRTs) at the premises of AAY households, particularly in hilly areas. “This approach will enable local electricity generation, eliminating the costs associated with transmitting and distributing electricity from distant generators,” the CM stated.
Additionally, the Government will leverage subsidies provided under the PMSGBY. A survey of target beneficiaries is being initiated, and based on its findings, a financial framework will be developed for sustainable implementation.
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