Shah-re-Khass Traders & Chambers Condemn Proposed 20% Peak-Hour Power Hike; Demand Fulfilment of Election Promise

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

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.