Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 12: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) today contested the proposal filed by Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) with the Joint Electricity Commission for the Union Territories of J&K Kashmir and Ladakh (JERC), seeking approval to subsume 15% of electricity duty in the tariff for consumers of all categories.
In a statement issued here, FCIK stated that a public hearing session was held by JERC on Saturday to obtain views and listen to objections from various consumers and organizations regarding the proposals submitted by KPDCL for approval by the Commission.
The FCIK delegation, led by former president Shakeel Qalander, including former presidents Er. Zahoor Bhat, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Syed Fazal Illahi, and Ovees Jami, presented before the commission.
As per the statement, the delegation expressed surprise at the “opportunistic proposal” by KPDCL to subsume 15% electricity duty, considering the potential abolishment by the government. FCIK argued that any increase in the tariff should only be sought from the Commission with valid details, which the utility has not provided.
FCIK also urged the Commission not to entertain the misleading plea of the utility claiming there would be no impact, while also opposing the proposal to double the flat rates for unmetered consumers, terming it harsh for the poor in far-flung areas.
While acknowledging the performance of the corporations in establishing necessary grid and transmission infrastructure, the FCIK delegation stated that the continued addition of such infrastructure was inevitable due to the growing demand for electricity from industry and the general public.
The delegation also raised the issue of manpower deficiency with all power-related corporations, stating: “This could directly affect the efficiency of the corporations, as per the petition, there are 774 vacant posts in JKPTCL alone.”
Furthermore, the importance of purchasing more solar energy due to its attractive cost was also emphasised by the delegation, recommending the establishment of solar projects in the Union Territories.
Among other points, FCIK discussed the frequent incidents of electrocution involving linemen and other staff, expressing regret that despite clear instructions from the Commission, most of the field staff was still working without necessary safety equipment for the linemen and other staff members.
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