Srinagar, 21 Nov (KNS) : Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Conference, General Secretary and President of the All J&K Shia Association Molvi Imran Ansari today took strong exception to the proposed 20% peak-hour electricity surcharge being floated by the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL).

He said that such proposals raise serious questions about who is actually formulating and approving critical power-sector decisions in Jammu & Kashmir.

“Just wondering before we all get shocked with this proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge, can someone politely remind me who exactly is the Minister for the Power Development Department approving these magical midnight-thought tariff ideas in Kashmir?” he tweeted.

He added that from the pattern of communication, it appears as if KPDCL is tossing tariff proposals “into the sky” without clarity, ownership, or accountability while the public continues to be told an entirely different story.

“By the way, wasn’t someone loudly promising 200 units of free electricity not too long ago?Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelKashmir didn’t get 200 units free… instead, we’re getting 20% extra charge during the only hours when people are freezing and desperately need electricity,” he remarked.

Ansari noted that the proposed surcharge has been strongly opposed across the board by trade bodies, houseboat owners, industrial units, and ordinary households yet consumers are being penalised instead of structural issues being addressed.

He stressed that the government must explain who exactly is steering J&K’s power policy and why such proposals are surfacing without transparency.

“Until someone explains who is actually steering the ship of J&K’s power policy, we’ll keep watching these proposals float around like kites with no string attached,” he said.

He urged the administration to reconsider the proposal, prioritise public interest, and ensure accountability within the power sector before placing any additional burden on the people of Jammu & Kashmir.(KNS)