The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Nov 21: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Para on Friday strongly opposed the proposed hike in electricity tariffs, warning that any increase—especially a surcharge during peak morning and evening hours—would exacerbate the difficulties faced by ordinary Kashmiris already contending with economic distress and the harsh winter.
Para called on the government to conduct a thorough ground assessment before implementing any tariff hike. He argued that while residents in affluent areas might absorb the impact, the majority of Kashmiris view winter as a struggle for survival.
He stressed that electricity in Kashmir is “not a luxury but life support,” particularly when families are grappling with low incomes, rising expenses, and persistent economic uncertainty. Para characterized increasing power tariffs for the poor and middle class during the hours when heating is most essential as “cruel and catastrophic.”
He added that policies which disregard human suffering have no place in a just administration and urged authorities to reconsider the proposal in light of the profound challenges people encounter during winter.
The proposal by the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), which suggests a twenty percent surcharge on peak-hour consumption, has already drawn widespread condemnation. Numerous political leaders across the Union Territory have also denounced the move, labeling it unfair and insensitive to the economic realities of the populace.
