Tangmarg, Aug 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday assured consumers that Jammu and Kashmir would not see any further electricity tariff hike during the remaining tenure of his government, while defending the latest revision as a decision taken out of compulsion.

Omar said the government had not increased tariffs willingly and had sought to keep the additional burden on consumers to a minimum.
“I acknowledge the increase in electricity tariffs, but we did not do it out of happiness. It was a compulsion,” the Chief Minister said.
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in retail electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir from September 1.
Defending the decision, Omar compared the latest revision with tariff hikes approved by previous governments. He said electricity rates had been increased by around 13–15 per cent during earlier administrations.
Referring to the PDP-BJP government, he said tariffs had been raised by around 13.5 to 14 per cent when Mehbooba Mufti was Chief Minister.
“Why did you remain silent at that time? At that time, didn't you feel that injustice was being done to the people?” Omar asked opposition parties criticising the latest hike.
The Chief Minister, however, assured consumers that there would be no further increase during the current government.
“I assure you, my complete effort will be that, God willing, during this government, after this, we will not increase the electricity rates any further,” he said.
Omar said the government would now focus on improving basic infrastructure and public services, including drinking water, education, healthcare, roads and horticulture.
He also reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the promises made to the people during the remaining three-and-a-half years of the government’s tenure.