Srinagar, Feb 12 (KNS) ; Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iqbal Trumboo on Thursday urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to extend the power amnesty scheme by one year and bring commercial establishments under its ambit, asserting that the truncated timeline has left consumers with little room to clear dues.

 

Trumboo met the Managing Director of the Power Development Department (PDD) and submitted a memorandum, demanding that the scheme — initially offering 12 instalments — be made available for the full tenure.

 

Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) he said “The amnesty scheme was launched in June last year. It promised 12 instalments, but is scheduled to end in March. This means people get only 7-8 months to avail the benefit. We have requested the MD that consumers be allowed 12 instalments as originally envisaged,” Trumboo said.

 

He said the financial condition of people, particularly in Srinagar, remains fragile and the scheme was introduced keeping this in mind.

 

“People do not have sufficient income to clear their electricity dues.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe government itself acknowledged this and brought the amnesty scheme. But the shortened timeline defeats the purpose,” he added.

 

The PDP leader also flagged the continued exclusion of commercial establishments from the scheme despite prolonged demand.

 

“The condition of commercial units is extremely bad. Business activity has remained affected, especially since April 2026. They have been seeking amnesty for long. But no step has been taken by the present government,” Trumboo said.

 

He appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the administration to revisit both issues, particularly with the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly.

 

“If the government grants a one-year extension and clears amnesty for commercial establishments, it will provide huge relief. The people of Srinagar, especially the old city, are facing an income crisis. This will go a long way in addressing their difficulties,” he said.

 

Trumboo said the PDD MD assured the delegation that the matter would be examined. (KNS)