The fact that Government departments in Jammu and Kashmir are among the biggest defaulters in power bill payments is both alarming and unacceptable. With outstanding dues amounting to a staggering Rs 3,517.90 crore, the issue exposes a deep-rooted culture of financial indiscipline and lack of accountability within the system. While the common citizen is expected to clear their electricity bills on time, Government departments continue to enjoy uninterrupted power despite accumulating massive arrears. Among the top defaulters are key departments like Jal Shakti, Irrigation, Tourism, and Police. Additionally, state-run enterprises and municipal corporations are also guilty of non-payment. This raises serious concerns about the financial management and governance practices within the administration. One of the most glaring aspects of this issue is the paradox in the power supply and billing system. On one hand, the Power Development Department imposes strict measures on individual consumers, including disconnections for non-payment. On the other hand, Government departments and influential business units continue to enjoy electricity without clearing their dues. This double standard undermines the credibility of the authorities and erodes public trust.
The consequences of such financial mismanagement extend far beyond unpaid bills. The power sector in Jammu and Kashmir is already grappling with challenges such as infrastructure deficits, transmission losses, and frequent outages. The non-payment of dues further cripples the ability to invest in better power infrastructure, leading to an endless cycle of inefficiency and dependency on central assistance. The Government’s amnesty scheme, which has seen over 2.75 lakh consumers registering for relief, is a step in the right direction. However, it remains ineffective if the biggest defaulters continue to evade payments. The authorities must take stringent action to recover the outstanding dues from defaulting departments. Deducting these amounts from departmental budgets, imposing penalties, or introducing an automatic deduction system through treasury accounts could be potential solutions. A strong political will is required to address this issue. If power sector reforms are a priority, the administration must set an example by ensuring that Government agencies comply with the same financial responsibilities imposed on the public.
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