A positive spark

In a sign of progress between public and administration, more than 13,189 consumers in Kashmir have availed themselves of the Domestic Power Amnesty Scheme, clearing their long-pending electricity dues. This development is more than just a statistic as it reflects a growing sense of civic responsibility, trust in governance and a mutual commitment to building a more accountable and efficient power ecosystem. The amnesty scheme, launched with the aim of giving domestic consumers a clean slate and an incentive to become regular payers, is bearing fruit. By waiving interest and penalties on outstanding bills, the government has not only encouraged defaulters to come forward but has also set the stage for increased revenue collection and improved service delivery. Electricity is a lifeline for households, businesses and overall regional development. Chronic non-payment of dues had long plagued the power sector in Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in financial stress for the power department and irregular supply for consumers. Initiatives like the amnesty scheme aim to break this cycle and the positive response from thousands of households is a step in the right direction. However, the work is far from over. While over 13,000 consumers have cleared their dues, there remain many more yet to avail the scheme. The administration must continue its awareness campaigns, simplify the application process and offer support to low-income households to make this opportunity accessible to all. The momentum generated by the Domestic Power Amnesty Scheme is encouraging and signals a brighter, more cooperative future for power reforms in Kashmir, if the charge can be sustained.