Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 29: Former Deputy Mayor Jammu and BJP senior leader, Baldev Singh Billawaria, has expressed serious concern over the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL)’s recent decision to shift from the traditional postpaid electricity billing system to a prepaid online billing system.
Billawaria at a press conference here, today termed it the Department’s failure to distribute bills on time. He said that he was constantly receiving delegations of people regarding this serious issue.
Billawaria stated that the matter had already been discussed earlier with the concerned Department, where it was advised not to implement this system hastily, particularly because it would adversely affect the general public, especially those residing in slum and rural areas. “A large section of our population is still not familiar with online systems and digital bill payments. The sudden implementation of a prepaid billing model will create unnecessary inconvenience and hardship for them,” he said.
He further ecmphasized that consumers should continue receiving proper printed electricity bills at their doorstep, enabling them to pay their dues in a timely and hassle-free manner. The abrupt transition to an entirely online prepaid model without adequate public awareness and infrastructure would only result in power disconnections for unsuspecting consumers.
Addressing the issue of free electricity units, Billawaria questioned the Government’s previously announced scheme of 200 free units, claiming that no beneficiary has received such benefits in any Panchayat or Ward so far. “The Government must clarify the status of this scheme and ensure transparency in its implementation,” he demanded.
In addition, the Ex-Deputy Mayor strongly condemned the frequent and unscheduled power cuts being faced by the public. He asserted that the Department should issue prior intimation about any power outages through newspapers or other public communication channels to avoid inconvenience to the citizens.
Billawaria urged the Government and JKPDCL to reconsider the prepaid billing system’s implementation until comprehensive awareness programmes and proper facilities are put in place, especially for the rural and underprivileged population.
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