SRINAGAR, Sept 21 (KNS) : Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Monday demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir government explain the recent electricity tariff hike in the Legislative Assembly and fulfil its commitment of providing 200 units of free electricity to every household.

In a statement issued, Inam Un Nabi said the government must explain the basis and implications of the average 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariffs that came into effect from September 1, particularly when the government had promised 200 units of free power to households.

“The people were promised 200 units of free electricity. The government must honour that commitment in full and extend the benefit to every household. There should be no dilution of the promise,” Inam Un Nabi said.

He said the government should place before the Assembly the complete details of the tariff revision and explain its impact on domestic consumers, farmers, traders and small businesses.

Inam Un Nabi also questioned the government’s decision to present the free-power commitment through a limited eligibility-based rooftop solar scheme, saying the original public commitment should not be altered through a narrower interpretation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“An election promise made to the people cannot be converted into a restricted benefit. If 200 units were promised to every household, the government must deliver 200 units to every household,” he said.

The AIP Chief Spokesperson said the government must also clarify how consumers are expected to bear increased electricity charges while the promised free-power benefit remains unavailable to them.

He urged the Assembly to take up the issue comprehensively and hold the government accountable for both the tariff increase and fulfilment of its 200-unit commitment.

“The government owes the people a straightforward answer on the tariff hike and an equally straightforward commitment to honour the 200-unit promise,” Un Nabi said.(KNS)