PDD revenue in
Kashmir
Sir,
This is in response to your article dated 09
April 2008. To set the record straight I would
like to place a few facts before you so that your
readers can judge for yourself.
Due to the turmoil in the State during the past
two decades revenue collections have suffered in
all State departments. The case of Kashmir Valley
was even worse as the valley has been in the eye
of the storm as far as the turmoil is concerned.
When a case study is made regarding J&K Power
Development Department, the Kashmir wings needs
special mention. The officers and officials of
the Kashmir wing served the people when there was
virtually, no governance, when the 'Z' category
politicians hid behind heavy doors in Jammu and
could not even walk their own lawns without fear.
Those were trying times for all the departments
but PDD Kashmir stood up against all odds even
when funding faced a severe crunch. Kashmir
Valley is not slowly but surely creeping out of
the dark phase, which ruined the economy of the
State in general and hampered funding of projects
in the valley in particular. As the situation
become conducive, PDD Kashmir rose up to the
occasion to break fresh ground. Due to all round
efforts of the PDD Kashmir has made good progress
in respect of revenue realization as can be
clearly concluded from the revenue figures of few
proceeding years. During 2007-2008 only, the
revenue realization from Kashmir valley is 251.08
crores as compared to Rs. 161.33 crores in
2006-07 which translates to 55% increase in the
revenue making it possible for J&K Power
Development Department to go for an overall
increase of 52% in respect of revenue
achievement. It clearly speaks of the pace at
which PDD Kashmir is marching towards the
progress. Talking only of Domestic Category (the
actual deciding factor of progress of any power
utility) the realization is far better as
compared to Jammu region. In Jammu, the
industrial sector, a major source of revenue and
the backbone of the economy of the State, is far
better positioned as compared to its couterpart
in Kashmir wherein this vital sector is almost
crushed.
Despite all its odds, apart from all formal
efforts the PDD staff in Kashmir is doing a
commendable job of motivation of consumers to
clear the electricity dues in time, making them
use electricity judiciously. It has succeeded to
a greater extent despite threat posed from
several areas by some miscreants, who for their
vested interests force the people to go berserk
against the PDD. Apart from this, several power
reforms have been initiated in the valley.
Training of staff as a quality improvement
programme, HVDS and computerised billing are a
few examples. The restoration of the damaged
power network within four hours of a major snow
storm in the recent winter needs a casual
mention. Various helpline service centres have
been established throughout the region to provide
immediate assistance to the consumers.
Yours etc...
Joginder Singh Pathania
Pathania House
Shivpora Srinagar
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