Govt extends power amnesty scheme till Mar2026

Srinagar, Aug 4: The government Monday extended power amnesty scheme for domestic consumers till March-31-2026.
Principal Secretary Power Development Department in a H Rajesh Prasad in a communique said, “Sanction is accorded to the extension of amnesty in favour of the domestic consumers for the period ending 31-03-2026.”
Prasad however clarified that the extension of the scheme is subjected to the same terms and conditions previously issued in 2022 and 2024 except that 100 percent waiver of interest and surcharge is allowed in respect of outstanding amount as on 31-03-2025.
“It is further ordered that there shall be no further extension of the amnesty,” reads the communique.
The Amnesty Scheme introduced last year proved beneficial for economically weaker consumers who were struggling to clear their pending electricity dues. It enabled them to pay with ease and also helped the department to recover much-needed revenue.
In the meantime, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has welcomed the government’s recent decision of extending the power amnesty scheme for domestic consumers in Jammu and Kashmir till March 31, 2026.
While appreciating this timely relief for households, KCCI has urged the administration to extend similar amnesty benefits to commercial power consumers across the Union Territory.
“Thousands of commercial establishments in Jammu and Kashmir—ranging from small shops and service units to hotels, industrial units, and offices—are under financial strain due to the accumulation of power dues. The continuing burden of these outstanding bills poses a serious threat to business continuity, employment, and overall economic stability,” KCCI said,
It also said that though the J&K government announced an amnesty for commercial power consumers, it was never implemented on the ground.
KCCI emphasised that a power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers would provide much-needed financial relief, help avert business closures, and support the recovery and resilience of the region’s economy. “Such a measure would also encourage timely compliance in the future and improve the overall revenue collection environment in the power sector.”
The Chamber has further urged that the commercial sector be treated with the same consideration extended to domestic consumers. “In the wake of prolonged disruptions in the past caused by successive lockdowns, pandemic-related losses, and low demand cycles, businesses have faced extraordinary challenges and now require targeted support to regain financial footing.” (KNO)