SRINAGAR NOV 22:-The Shah-re-Khass Traders and Chambers (SKTC) on Saturday strongly condemned the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited’s (KPDCL) proposed 20% surcharge on electricity consumption during peak hours, terming the move “unjust, ill-timed, and anti-people.” The traders’ body warned that the decision would hit the already struggling business sector and common households of Jammu & Kashmir, especially with the harsh winter months drawing near.
Expressing deep disappointment, the SKTC said it was shocking that a government that secured a majority mandate across Jammu & Kashmir is “burdening the taxpayer instead of delivering the promised relief.”
> “The proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge is a profound betrayal of the trust placed in the current administration. We are not a discretionary luxury; we are taxpayers and the backbone of the local economy. Increasing operational costs during the hours when electricity is essential for business and survival in freezing temperatures is fundamentally unjust,” the SKTC said in a statement.
The traders’ body also criticised the stark contrast between the government’s treatment of its own lawmakers and the general public.
If the administration can approve the enhancement of salaries and perks of MLAs, the SKTC argued, it has no justification to deny basic relief to citizens who shoulder the tax burden.
Calling the proposed hike a violation of moral responsibility, the SKTC said the government must safeguard vulnerable families and small businesses during a period of economic slowdown.
Reiterating that the National Conference–led government had made an “explicit pre-election commitment” of providing 200 units of free electricity to households, the SKTC demanded immediate withdrawal of the surcharge proposal and fast-tracking of the promised relief package.
> “Our demand is not charity; it is a rightful expectation of tax-paying citizens,” the statement emphasized.
SKTC Issues Two-Point Ultimatum
1. Immediate withdrawal of the proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge.
2. Fulfilment of the pre-election promise of 200 units of free electricity.
Urging the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to intervene, the SKTC said the LG must protect public and trade interests and prevent citizens from being pushed into deeper financial distress due to what it termed an “arbitrary and insensitive tariff proposal.”
The traders’ body added that if the National Conference government is “unable or unwilling to honour its electoral promises,” it should step aside and allow a responsive administration to address public grievances.
SRINAGAR NOV 22:-Mohammad Maqbool Rather, a distinguished trader from Dara Harwan and a prominent union leader associated with the State Employees Conference, formally joined the Jammu & Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNPF) today. Rather, who previously served as the Central President of the Power Development Department, brings with him decades of organisational experience and public credibility.
He was welcomed into the party by Shri Jasif Khan, President JKNPF, in the presence of senior party leaders. The leadership expressed confidence that Rather’s inclusion will significantly strengthen the party’s outreach and organisational network at the grassroots level.
JKNPF stated that his joining marks another step forward in their commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and people-centric governance model in Jammu & Kashmir.
RAJOURI NOV 22:-Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting in his office chamber to assess the progress of Vibrant Village initiatives in the district. *The meeting focused on multiple developmental parameters, including cultural and historical significance, demographic profiles, existing infrastructure, livelihood enhancement, and tourism potential of the identified Vibrant Villages.*
The review covered key villages including Loharakot, Kalal, Namblan, Pukharni, Sarya, Chowki Handan, among others. The Deputy Commissioner examined the village infrastructure profile, the status of enabling facilities, and ongoing efforts to strengthen livelihood avenues under the programme.
*Highlighting the immense tourism potential of these frontier villages, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for boloosting tourism-related activities, developing adequate residential facilities for tourists, Improving road connectivity to remote locations, Installing informative and directional signages near tourist spots, and augmenting transportation facilities to ensure seamless movement of visitors*
*He also stressed the importance of accurate and timely data updation, terming it essential for realistic planning, effective implementation, and resource mobilisation under the Vibrant Villages Programme.*
*Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to work in close coordination and ensure that all developmental activities are executed in a time-bound and efficient manner to transform these villages into vibrant hubs of culture, livelihood, and tourism.*
The meeting was attended by ADC Sunderbani Ramkesh Sharma, PO ICDS Harpal Singh, SE PWD Tilak Raj, CPO Maqsood Ahmed, ACD Auqil Naveed, Ex En PWD Nowshera Sarwar Mehmood, and Ex En PHE Nowshera.
