Ensure 24X7 Electricity In Smart Metered Localities

Albeit, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to strictly adhere to the announced power curtailment schedule across the Kashmir Province especially on account of ensuing winter months but the ‘man on the hot seat' should not forget that the previous dispensation has promised uninterrupted power supply to those areas where the smart meters have been installed and the people have been paying their bills regularly.

Those helming the affairs of PDD should apprise the Chief Minister about the changes the department has gone through after his first stint as chief minister of the erstwhile state of J&K.

It is pertinent to mention that the government prior to NC dispensation has not only promised round the clock power supply to the areas where smart meters have started functioning but reportedly it has also signed MoUs with some states to buy extra electricity in case the UT feels so on account of extra load due to extreme climatic conditions or any other bottleneck.

The Chief Minister should make it sure that the promises made by the earlier dispensations should be honoured under his regime without any excuses because J&K cannot afford to go back on such things just because of a change of guard at the top level.

Of course, the proactive approach of the CM in this matter is laudable but going back on the promises and assurances is in no way justified because people deserve much more than what this government is supposed to ensure as curtailment schedules should be the part of the past because when the people are ready to pay for the units of electricity they are dissipating then no alibi from the government's side are justified especially when the party in power had promised hundreds of units of power free of cost to the population in run up to the Assembly polls.

Although the Chief Minister is new to this situation, those sitting at helm know each and every intricacy in the matter and therefore the excuse to get the information afresh in this case is unjustifiable because the people deserve services and facilities without any breaks and bumps.

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