200 free power units for AAY families at final approval stage: J&K Govt in Assembly

Jammu, Feb 05: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday said that it has launched an Electricity Amnesty Scheme for domestic power consumers and is in the final stages of approving a proposal to provide 200 units of free electricity every month to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households across the Union Territory.

In a written reply to a starred question (A.Q. No. 465) raised by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia regarding electricity liabilities, the government informed the House that the Amnesty Scheme has been launched vide Government Order No. 114-JKPDD dated August 4, 2025.

As per the reply, the scheme provides for the waiver of interest and surcharge accumulated on outstanding electricity dues up to March 31, 2025, and will remain in force till March 31, 2026.

The government further stated that it is committed to extending 200 units of free electricity per month to every AAY-category household in Jammu and Kashmir. “The project approval for providing 200 free electricity units to AAY families is at its final stage,” the reply said.

The initiative, the government added, is aimed at providing relief to economically weaker sections while encouraging timely payment of electricity bills and improving overall revenue realization in the power sector.

The House was also informed that the scheme forms part of broader efforts by the Power Development Department to reduce consumer burden, address long-pending electricity liabilities, and strengthen power distribution reforms in the Union Territory. (KNC)