Srinagar, Oct 7 (KNS): The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) on Tuesday renewed its demand for a one-time amnesty scheme for commercial electricity consumers, saying the relief extended to domestic consumers should also be provided to traders and business establishments.

KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said the government's decision to provide relief to domestic electricity consumers was welcome, but a similar measure for commercial consumers had remained pending despite repeated demands from the business community.

“The amnesty for domestic consumers was announced nearly a year ago. We appreciate that decision, but the demand of the trading and business community for a similar amnesty for commercial consumers has remained pending. We urge the government to announce the commercial amnesty without any further delay,” Shahdhar said.

He said traders and commercial establishments had faced financial difficulties over the past several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged business disruptions and other economic challenges.

“These circumstances have resulted in the accumulation of electricity dues for many traders and business establishments,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Shahdhar said many commercial consumers were willing to clear their liabilities, but the accumulated dues had become a major financial burden.

“A one-time amnesty would provide them an opportunity to settle their outstanding electricity bills and regularise their connections,” he said.

The KTA said the proposed amnesty could benefit both the business community and the Power Development Department (PDD), as it would encourage consumers with long-pending liabilities to clear their dues.

“Such a measure would provide much-needed relief to the commercial sector while also helping the department recover long-pending dues,” the trade body said.

Shahdhar urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Power Development Department to consider the demand and announce a suitable amnesty scheme for commercial electricity consumers.

“The domestic consumers have already been given this relief. We now expect the government to address the genuine and long-pending demand of traders and business establishments by announcing a similar amnesty for commercial consumers,” he said.(KNS)