Baba Jang, NHPC’s Salal Hydroelectric project, PHE Sopore among top power defaulters
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MARCH 13 (STC): The government revealed shocking figures of power defaulters that have put a massive strain on the power sector. Among the biggest defaulters, Baba Jang tops the list with an outstanding bill of Rs 63.78 crore, followed by Chief Engineer Salal Hydroelectric NHPC at Rs 56.96 crore. XEN PHE Sopore has dues amounting to Rs 45.84 crore, while Chief Mining Engineer J&K Minerals Ltd. owes Rs 42.43 crore.
The government responded with the list of top power defaulters in response to a query by MLA Sheikh Khursheed in the Legislative Assembly today.
It informed that government departments, industrial units, semi government organisations and private institutions owe hundreds of crores to the Power Development Department on the account of electricity dues.
Notable defaulters also include, Rajpora Lift Irrigation AWP Stage 1 & 2 – Rs 39.83 crore, Ex-Engineer PHE Mechanical Division Sopore – Rs 26.87 crore, Water Supply Scheme Tangnar – Rs 24.10 crore, Manager Jammu & Kashmir Cements Ltd. – Rs 22.49 crore, Lift Irrigation Lethpora Stage 1st – Rs 21.97 crore, Ex-Engineer PHE Mechanical Division Sopore (PR 96) – Rs 21.41 crore and others.
It’s worth mentioning that the government has granted an amnesty scheme to consumers with pending bills, allowing them to clear dues in installments and get relief on interest and penalties.
In this regard, the Minister In-Charge of Power Development Department (PDD) informed that 2,75,081 consumers have registered under the ongoing amnesty scheme, including 1,60,507 from Jammu and 1,14,574 from Kashmir. (STC)
