Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 6: Former Minister and ex-MLA Jammu East, Yogesh Sawhney today alleged that inflated electricity bills through ‘so called’ Smart Meters by BJP, leads to economic exploitation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and is ‘theft’ on the pockets of the consumers in the Union Territory.
Interacting with the public in Jammu East today senior Congress leader strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Government for a sharp hike in electricity tariff rates, calling it a “disastrous step” that exacerbates the financial strain on the common man. Amidst the many woes that people in Jammu are made to face, this served as another blow to their dreams and aspirations.
This excessive tariff hike comes on top of the already contentious installation of Smart Meters. This move, according to Sawhney, demonstrates a blatant disregard for the economic hardships faced by small and medium businesses, as well as households across the Jammu region. He added that the BJP at the Centre and the UT Administration has never acted in the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is very clear that the current regime is based on financial exploitation of the common people.
Sawhney explained that under the new tariff structure, the price for electricity has increased from Rs. 2.00 to Rs. 2.30 per unit for consumption up to 200 units. For consumption between 201 and 400 units, the rate has risen from Rs. 3.50 to Rs. 4.03 per unit. For consumption above 400 units, the rate has been increased from Rs. 3.80 to Rs. 4.37 per unit. Against the false promises of BJP, this is the harsh reality of Jammu today that people are struggling in every sense. Sawhney decries these hikes as “shameful,” emphasizing that they place an untenable financial burden on residents already struggling under the weight of rising living costs.
“The administration’s decision is a direct attack on the pockets of ordinary people and businesses in Jammu,” Sawhney stated.
“With households and small enterprises already reeling under economic pressures, this tariff hike will only serve to deepen their plight. It is disgraceful that the government, instead of seeking ways to alleviate financial strain, chooses to impose more hardships,” Sawhney added.
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