2.81 lakh consumers availed power amnesty scheme in J&K: Govt

Srinagar, Oct 29: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that over 2.81 lakh domestic consumers have availed benefits under the first power Amnesty Scheme, which provided relief on surcharge and interest accumulated up to March 31, 2022.

In response to a question by legislator Tariq Hameed Karra, the Power Development Department stated that there is no proposal under consideration to introduce Amnesty Schemes for industrial unit holders regarding electricity liabilities.

Under the first Amnesty Scheme, 1,64,729 consumers under JPDCL and 1,17,237 under KPDCL benefited from the initiative, realizing a total revenue of ₹322 crore — ₹164 crore from JPDCL and ₹158 crore from KPDCL,” it said.

The department further informed that under the second ongoing Amnesty Scheme, which began on August 4, 2025, and will continue till March 31, 2026, 18,854 consumers have availed the benefit so far — 547 under JPDCL and 18,307 under KPDCL.

It said that the schemes waive only interest and surcharge components, while the principal amount must be paid by consumers as it is not covered under the amnesty.

It said that amnesty and disconnection are separate issues, with electricity lines being disconnected only in cases of huge arrears. “Connections are restored immediately even upon partial payment, and unpaid balances are reflected in future bills”.—(KNO)