Srinagar, Nov 21 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari criticised the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited’s proposal to impose a 20% surcharge on electricity consumed during peak hours, calling it unjustified in the current economic situation.

Bukhari said the proposal would add to the difficulties of people already facing financial strain. “KPDCL’s proposal to impose a 20 percent surcharge on power tariffs during peak hours is a grave injustice to people who are already struggling to survive an economic crisis,” he said in a statement.

He said a large section of the population depends on tourism and horticulture, sectors that have recorded losses this year, while other businesses are also facing a decline.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“In such times, increasing electricity charges for mornings and evenings—when families rely on power the most in freezing cold—cannot be justified,” he said.

Bukhari said the administration must take into account the economic challenges faced by households. “The government has a moral duty to consider people’s economic hardships before even thinking of enforcing such a harsh measure,” he said.

With winter approaching, he urged the authorities to reconsider the proposal. “I urge the authorities to show some mercy to people who are already burdened and suffering,” Bukhari said.(KNS)