Shah-re-Khass Traders Oppose 6.83% Power Tariff Hike, Call It Betrayal of Public Trust

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SRINAGAR AUGUST 23:-The Shah-re-Khass Traders and Chambers, under the leadership of Chairman Bashir Ahmad Kanu, has strongly opposed the government’s decision to approve a 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs across Jammu and Kashmir, describing the move as an “unwarranted financial burden” on traders, shopkeepers and common consumers.

Chairman Bashir Ahmad Kanu said the tariff hike comes at a time when businesses and households are already struggling with inflation, rising operational costs and reduced consumer spending.

“The government had made election promises to provide up to 200 units of free electricity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Instead of fulfilling that commitment, the public has been handed a 6.83 per cent tariff hike,” Kanu said, terming the decision unfair and a betrayal of public trust.

The traders’ body said commercial establishments, artisans and small-scale businesses in the historic Shah-re-Khass area are particularly vulnerable to rising electricity costs, which could further increase the cost of doing business and contribute to inflation in local markets.

The Shah-re-Khass Traders and Chambers urged the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to immediately reconsider and withdraw the tariff hike. It also called upon the government to honour its commitment regarding free electricity for domestic consumers.

The traders further urged the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) to focus on reducing distribution losses, improving revenue recovery from major defaulters and ensuring uninterrupted power supply rather than increasing tariffs for consumers who regularly pay their bills.

The association warned that if the tariff hike is not rolled back, local business associations may convene to chalk out a unified course of action, including public protests and trade demonstrations across Srinagar.