Srinagar, Sept 24 (KNS) : PDP spokesperson and Constituency Incharge Chanapora Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo has urged the J&K Government to immediately extend the Power Amnesty Scheme for both domestic and commercial consumers, saying that mounting electricity bills have become a serious burden on ordinary families, shopkeepers and small businesses.

In a statement issued ,Tramboo said people are already struggling with rising household expenses, while unaffordable power bills, accumulated arrears, penalties and disconnections are adding to their difficulties. He said the government must recognise the genuine financial hardships being faced by consumers instead of taking a purely revenue-driven approach.

“People are not refusing to pay their electricity dues; many simply do not have the financial capacity to clear large accumulated bills in one go. The government should give them a realistic opportunity to settle their dues through an extended amnesty and flexible instalment facility,” Tramboo said.

He particularly sought relief for small shopkeepers, traders and commercial establishments, many of whom depend entirely on electricity to run their businesses.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said disconnection of power can directly affect livelihoods and employment and therefore such cases should be dealt with sensitively.

Tramboo demanded that consumers be given additional time, maximum possible instalments and relief from accumulated surcharge and penalties, along with restoration of disconnected connections for those willing to enter into a structured repayment arrangement.

He said the administration must put people’s difficulties at the centre of its policy and ensure that no family or small business is pushed into further distress merely because they are unable to clear accumulated dues at once.

“The power department should recover its revenue, but recovery cannot come at the cost of people’s livelihoods. A humane and practical amnesty scheme can provide immediate relief to consumers while also helping the department recover outstanding dues,” Tramboo said.

Tramboo appealed to the J&K Government to take an urgent decision on extending the scheme and ensure that the relief reaches deserving domestic and commercial consumers across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)