Raja bilal cni
The Shah-re-Khass Traders and Chambers, under the leadership of Chairman Bashir Ahmad Kanu, today expressed strong resentment and deep concern over the government’s decision to approve a 6.83 percent increase in electricity tariffs across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairman Bashir Ahmad Kanu condemned the decision, describing it as an unwarranted financial burden on the local business community, shopkeepers, and general household consumers who are already dealing with economic distress and inflation.
“The government had made clear election promises to provide 200 units of free electricity to relief the common citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Instead of fulfilling this solemn commitment, the public has been handed a bonus in the form of a 6.83% tariff hike. This action is completely unnecessary, unfair, and feels like a mockery of the trust placed in the administration. Political parties should not make high-sounding promises to the public if they have no intention or capacity to deliver on them.”
The Shah re khass traders and Chambers highlighted that commercial hubs, artisans, and small-scale shopkeepers in the historic Shah-re-Khass region are facing rising operational costs and reduced consumer spending. Imposing higher utility tariffs under these conditions will further strain small enterprises and trigger wider inflation across local markets.
The Jammu & Kashmir government and the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) must immediately suspend or withdraw the approved tariff hike.The government should honor its commitment to extend up to 200 units of free electricity to domestic households.
The Jammu Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) should focus on curbing distribution losses, improving revenue recovery from major default commercial establishments, and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply rather than increasing rates for compliant consumers.
The Shah-re-Khass Traders and Chambers warned that if the hike is not rolled back promptly, local business associations will convene to decide on a unified course of public protest and trade demonstrations across Srinagar. CNI NEWS