Proposed power tariff hike to hurt financially weak sections: Hakeem Yaseen
Srinagar, Dec 14: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, on Sunday expressed serious concern over the steep increase in electricity fees in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the decision has added to the hardships of poor people, particularly in rural and far-flung areas like Khag in Budgam district.
He said it was deeply unfortunate that people are being burdened with higher power charges despite facing frequent outages and unreliable electricity supply.
Addressing party workers and local residents at a meeting in Khag subdivision of Budgam, Hakeem Yaseen said that Khag has historically remained neglected and ignored by successive governments. “For decades, Khag has been pushed to the margins of development. Basic facilities that people in other areas take for granted are either absent here or exist only on paper,” he said.
He demanded that the government immediately review the electricity tariff hike and provide special concessions and discounts to economically weaker areas like Khag, where the majority of residents struggle to make ends meet. “It is unjust to charge poor households inflated electricity bills when they do not even receive power for long hours. The government must show sensitivity and compassion,” he said. Hakeem Yaseen underlined the urgent need to strengthen basic infrastructure in Khag, especially in the health, education, drinking water, and power sectors. He said primary healthcare centres (PHCs), higher education institutions, and skill development facilities such as the Government Degree College (GDC) and Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in the area have either remained closed or non-functional due to official apathy. “Reopening and strengthening these institutions is not an option, it is a necessity. Without health and education, there can be no meaningful development,” he asserted.
Reiterating his long-standing demand, Hakeem Yaseen once again urged the J&K administration to immediately lift the ban on tourist activities at key destinations including Doodpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan. He said the ban has severely impacted the livelihoods of people dependent on tourism.
