Power tariff hike a compulsion, never promised rates won’t increase: CM

Srinagar, Aug 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday defended the government’s decision to increase electricity tariffs by 6.83%, saying those questioning the hike should also remember that previous governments had raised power rates by more than 14%.
The Chief Minister while talking to reporters here,, said his government had never promised that electricity rates would not increase.
He said the latest revision was a necessity rather than a decision the government took with satisfaction. “When did we ever say that electricity rates wouldn’t rise?”
CM Omar said the government had kept the latest increase to the absolute minimum possible and pointed out that it came after a gap of four years. “We have raised electricity prices by only 6% and that too, after four years,” he said, while referring to the rise in inflation, fuel prices and the overall cost of goods during the same period.
CM Omar also hit back at those criticising the tariff revision, saying previous governments had increased electricity rates by more than 14 per cent during their tenure without facing similar criticism. “Four years ago, rates went up by 15% and the BJP remained silent then as well,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government is not celebrating the tariff increase and called it as a compulsion arising from losses in the power sector. “We take no pleasure in raising electricity rates. This is a necessity for us,” he said, adding that the need for such measures would reduce as electricity-related losses come down.
On the government’s promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to the poorest households, Omar said the benefit would be implemented through a solar-based scheme.
He said the provision of free electricity and the general revision of power tariffs were two separate matters and had no connection with each other. “We stated that we would provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest people and those who need it the most,” he said.
CM Omar said he had also repeatedly explained in the Legislative Assembly that the government intended to deliver the benefit through a free electricity scheme using solar panels. “There is no connection between general electricity pricing and this specific scheme. We will continue to provide free electricity to those entitled to it,” he said.
On speculation over a cabinet expansion or reshuffle, CM Omar said there is no crisis in the government and that administrative work was proceeding smoothly.
He said a reshuffle would be carried out whenever the government felt it was necessary. “We will do it when the time is right. Why are you all so anxious? No work has stalled. There is no crisis in the government. Our work is proceeding smoothly,” he said.
The Chief Minister while replying to query about the cabinet reshuffle said, “You had asked me back then whether a reshuffle would happen before August 15th or not. I said it wouldn’t. I never told you it would happen immediately after August 15th,” he said.
He added that the timing and circumstances of any reshuffle would be decided by him. “As for when or under what circumstances it will happen, leave that to me,” he said.
On fresh threats received by Kashmiri Pandit employees, the Chief Minister termed the matter serious and urged the police, intelligence agencies and security administration to conduct a thorough investigation. “This has indeed become a serious issue. They should not be receiving threats at all,” Omar said.
He said the authorities must identify the source of the threats and ensure the safety of government employees. “The law and order and security administrations including the police and our intelligence agencies must not take these matters lightly,” he said.
The Chief Minister recalled that similar circumstances in the past had resulted in attacks on Pandit employees, saying the authorities must ensure that such threats do not escalate. “Two or 2.5 years ago, under similar circumstances, some Pandit employees were targeted and we suffered significant losses as a result,” he said.
Clarifying that law and order and security fall under the purview of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, CM Omar urged the concerned agencies to treat the latest threats seriously.
“While this is not my direct responsibility, that falls under the purview of the J&K LG my advice to the law and order administration is simply this: do not treat this lightly. A full investigation must be conducted,” he said. (KNO)