Srinagar, Oct 21: In a move that could provide major relief to thousands of electricity consumers across Jammu and Kashmir, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday admitted a private resolution submitted by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Mir Fayaz from Kupwara. The resolution seeks a one-time exemption of outstanding electricity tariff dues for domestic consumers who have been struggling with inflated bills and irregular power supply.
The Speaker’s decision to admit the resolution marks an important step toward addressing long-standing grievances related to billing disputes, high tariff rates, and inconsistent meter readings that have burdened many households in the Union Territory. The resolution will now move to the next procedural stage and will be subjected to a ballot process to determine whether it will be listed for debate and voting in the upcoming Assembly session.
According to Assembly procedures, private members’ resolutions are selected through a draw of lots to decide which ones will be discussed and voted upon. If chosen, the resolution could pave the way for a significant financial reprieve to consumers already facing economic strain. The proposal’s core aim is to waive off accumulated dues in a one-time measure, enabling households to begin afresh with a clean slate.
Mir Fayaz emphasized that the move is intended to bring social and economic relief to ordinary citizens who have suffered not just from power cuts but also from billing irregularities. “Power bills have become a growing burden for many families, particularly in rural and low-income areas. A one-time waiver will allow people to reset their dues and ensure better compliance in the future,” he said.
The issue of power billing has remained a politically sensitive matter in Jammu and Kashmir, with several parties criticizing the irregular supply of electricity and the inefficiency of the billing system. Many households have complained about inflated bills despite long hours of power curtailment, while the Power Development Department (PDD) has struggled to recover large sums in arrears.
The Assembly’s current composition adds further political weight to the debate. Following the 2024 elections, the National Conference (NC) holds a majority with 42 seats, followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with 29 seats, Congress with 6, PDP with 3, and smaller parties and independents filling the rest. The support dynamics within the Assembly will determine the fate of the resolution once it comes up for voting.
Congress has chosen to support the Omar Abdullah-led NC government from outside without formally joining the coalition, while the PDP continues to position itself as a key opposition voice on public welfare issues.
Meanwhile, by-elections for two vacant Assembly seats, Nagrota in the Jammu region and Budgam in the Valley, are scheduled for November 11, with counting on November 14. The Nagrota seat fell vacant after the death of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana in October 2024, while the Budgam seat was vacated when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah opted to retain his Ganderbal constituency.