The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has requested the Jammu and Kashmir government to announce power amnesty for all commercial power consumers.
The Chamber has been persistently advocating for this essential relief measure and has formally submitted a request to Hon'ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
While the government has already implemented power amnesty for domestic consumers which is currently in force, the KCCI emphasises the urgent need to extend similar benefits to the broader commercial sector. The rising electricity charges that have affected commercial entities are particularly concerning, especially during a period when Kashmir has faced significant economic challenges during pandemic.
The tourism industry particularly Hotels had suffered a staggering 90% decline in visitor arrivals during COVID-19, along with various industries and commercial establishments are also grappling with financial strain.
Although the UT government has shown a willingness to consider this matter and has granted substantial concessions to household consumers in the 2023-2024 financial year, the time has come for the commercial sector to receive equivalent relief measures.
The government had previously indicated that it would consider concessions such as interest waivers and reductions in per kW demand charges for the affected period—a commitment that needs urgent follow-up.
The KCCI has raised the necessity for this support in numerous meetings with UT authorities, including a recent discussion with the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and other senior officials at the civil secretariat in Srinagar.
The Chamber is now urgently requesting decisive action on this matter, preferably before the announcement of the next budget proposals in the UT Assembly.
The proposed power amnesty would provide crucial support to Kashmir's entire business community—spanning tourism, industries, and various commercial establishments—helping them recover from the dual challenges posed by the pandemic and regional developments.