Political leaders term tariff order a betrayal of poll promises; business community warns hike will cripple the local economy and escalate operational costs.
SRINAGAR / JAMMU — The approval of a 6.83% average hike in electricity tariffs by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has triggered intense political backlash across Jammu and Kashmir. Opposition parties, trade bodies, and even a ruling National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament have heavily criticized the administration, demanding answers regarding the unfulfilled pre-election promise of 200 free units of power per household.
The tariff revision, set to take effect on September 1, 2026, will place an estimated ₹502 crore additional annual burden on consumers, arriving at a time when families and businesses are already grappling with inflation.
Political Backlash Over Unkept Promises
- Sunil Sharma (Leader of Opposition, BJP): Termed the hike a direct “betrayal of trust,” emphasizing that the ruling dispensation came to power promising relief to common consumers.“The NC government promised 200 units of free electricity to every household. But instead of fulfilling that commitment, people are now facing an increase in electricity tariffs. This is not relief; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in the government.”
- Sajad Gani Lone (President, Peoples Conference): Described the hike as a shock to the common consumer, pointing out that almost two years have passed since assembly elections without a single rupee of free-power benefits being delivered. Lone also highlighted that flat load ratings have been increased in non-metered areas, further inflating utility bills.
- Aga Ruhullah Mehdi (Member of Parliament, NC): In a sharp internal rebuke, the ruling party MP criticized the contradictory stance on power reforms, remarking that the same leadership that once promised to “throw meters into the river” has now overseen a tariff increase close to 7%.
- Waheed Ur Rehman Parra (MLA Pulwama, PDP): Emphasized the severe economic strain on low- and middle-income households, questioning Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the status of key welfare guarantees:“From free tariff promises of relief to higher bills, what happened to the promise? Unemployment is at a peak, inflation is biting hard, and ordinary families are struggling to make ends meet.”
- Altaf Bukhari (President, Apni Party): Condemned the revision as an unnecessary burden on citizens who are already struggling under steep economic pressures.
Trade Bodies Sound the Alarm
The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) and other commercial associations have formally opposed the tariff increase, warning of severe ripple effects across Jammu and Kashmir’s broader economy.
Representatives from the business community noted that enterprises are already struggling with elevated operational costs, high logistics expenses, and sluggish consumer demand. According to trade representatives, pushing commercial tariff slabs higher will dent profit margins, disincentivize small manufacturing units, and ultimately drive consumer prices upward across the region.
‘What Happened to 200 Free Units?’: Opposition, MP & Trade Bodies Slam Govt Over 6.83% Power Tariff Hike
