CM Omar promises no future power tariff hike during his tenure

The government to prioritize the provision of basic amenities and development works during the remaining period of its term.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 25 (STC): The NC-led government will prioritize the provision of basic amenities to the people and development works during the remaining period of its tenure and every effort will be made to fulfill all the promises made to the people in the next three and a half years, said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while assuring no further increase in electricity tariffs during his tenure. Addressing a public gathering in Tangmarg, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that an attempt has been made to limit the burden on the consumers through the recent increase in electricity tariffs. He said that electricity tariffs were also significantly increased during the previous governments.“When these people were in power and they had to increase electricity tariffs, the tariffs were increased by 13 to 15 percent four years ago,” he said.
Referring to the former PDP-BJP government, the Chief Minister said that when Mehbooba Mufti was the Chief Minister, electricity tariffs were also increased by about 13.5 to 14 percent. He questioned those criticizing the government over the recent increase in electricity tariffs, saying that when the tariffs were increased so much in the past, why was there silence? He said, “Why did you remain silent at that time? Didn’t you feel that injustice was being done to the people at that time?”
He said that the current government tried to ensure that the increase in electricity tariffs would impose minimal additional financial burden on the consumers. He assured in clear words that he would make every effort not to increase electricity rates further during the tenure of the current government.
“I assure you that Insha Allah, during this government, we will not increase electricity rates further. Not more than this. The government will now focus on providing basic amenities to the people in a better way. These priorities include providing clean drinking water, improving the condition of schools, availability of doctors in hospitals, repairing and improving roads and promoting horticultural infrastructure in the area,” he said.
He also stressed the need to establish a fruit market in the area and promote the horticultural sector and the government will take steps to further improve the infrastructure keeping in mind the overall development of the area and the economic interests of the people.
He said, “Whatever promises we have made to the people, God willing, in the next three and a half years we will fulfill all these promises and present our account before you.”
(Straight Talk Communications)