KTA seeks amnesty for commercial power consumers

Srinagar, Feb 27: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to extend the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers to clear their pending dues. However, the alliance stated that a similar amnesty should be provided to commercial power consumers as well.

On Monday, the Power Development Department announced the extension of the amnesty program for domestic users by one year till March 31, 2025.

Reacting to this decision, KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said, "It is a good decision on the part of the Power Development Department to extend the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers."

However, he added, "We demand that the same kind of amnesty must be announced for commercial consumers who have faced financial trouble in the past and were not in a position to pay bills."

The trade body argued that commercial establishments suffered significant losses over the past few years due to COVID-19 lockdowns and other issues. Providing amnesty on their power dues would offer them some relief.

"We request the J&K government to consider an amnesty scheme for commercial electricity consumers as well. It would greatly help to revive business and industry in Kashmir" said Shahdhar.

The KTA plans to formally raise their demand for a commercial amnesty program with the Power Department soon. The government is yet to announce its decision on this request.