KCCI Calls for Power Amnesty for Commercial Consumers in J&K
Srinagar, February 8, 2025 – The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has formally requested the Jammu and Kashmir government to announce a power amnesty for all commercial power consumers. This appeal was submitted to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, as part of the Chamber’s persistent advocacy for this essential relief measure.
Advocating for Relief
The KCCI has been advocating for power amnesty for the broader commercial sector, emphasizing the urgent need to extend similar benefits that have already been implemented for domestic consumers. The rising electricity charges have placed significant financial strain on commercial entities, particularly during the challenging economic period following the pandemic.
Impact on Tourism and Commerce
The tourism industry, particularly hotels, suffered a staggering 90% decline in visitor arrivals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Various industries and commercial establishments continue to grapple with financial strain, making the need for power amnesty more pressing.
Government’s Previous Actions
The UT government has shown a willingness to consider this matter, granting substantial concessions to household consumers in the 2023-2024 financial year. However, the KCCI asserts that it is now time for the commercial sector to receive equivalent relief measures. The government had previously indicated that it would consider concessions such as interest waivers and reductions in per kW demand charges for the affected period—a commitment that requires urgent follow-up.
Recent Discussions
The KCCI has raised the necessity for this support in numerous meetings with UT authorities, including a recent discussion with the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and other senior officials at the civil secretariat in Srinagar. The Chamber is now urgently requesting decisive action on this matter, preferably before the announcement of the next budget proposals in the UT Assembly.
Conclusion
The proposed power amnesty would provide crucial support to Kashmir’s entire business community, spanning tourism, industries, and various commercial establishments. This measure would help them recover from the dual challenges posed by the pandemic and regional developments.
NO:KCC&I/EEC/02/2025/ 4315 7TH February , 2025
PRESS NOTE
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has requested the Jammu and Kashmir government to announce power amnesty for all commercial power consumers.
The Chamber has been persistently advocating for this essential relief measure and has formally submitted a request to Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah.
While the government has already implemented power amnesty for domestic consumers which is currently in force, the KCCI emphasises the urgent need to extend similar benefits to the broader commercial sector. The rising electricity charges that have affected commercial entities are particularly concerning, especially during a period when Kashmir has faced significant economic challenges during pandemic.
The tourism industry particularly Hotels had suffered a staggering 90% decline in visitor arrivals during COVID-19, along with various industries and commercial establishments are also grappling with financial strain.
Although the UT government has shown a willingness to consider this matter and has granted substantial concessions to household consumers in the 2023-2024 financial year, the time has come for the commercial sector to receive equivalent relief measures.
The government had previously indicated that it would consider concessions such as interest waivers and reductions in per kW demand charges for the affected period—a commitment that needs urgent follow-up.
The KCCI has raised the necessity for this support in numerous meetings with UT authorities, including a recent discussion with the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and other senior officials at the civil secretariat in Srinagar.
The Chamber is now urgently requesting decisive action on this matter, preferably before the announcement of the next budget proposals in the UT Assembly.
The proposed power amnesty would provide crucial support to Kashmir’s entire business community—spanning tourism, industries, and various commercial establishments—helping them recover from the dual challenges posed by the pandemic and regional developments.
Javid Ahmad Tenga
President
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry INC.
2ND FLOOR, MOHIDIN TRUST BUILDING,
RESIDENCY ROAD, SRINAGAR-KASHMIR-190001
TEL: 0194-2455446/2482176
FAX : 0194: 2452517
E-MAIL : thekashmirchamber@gmail.com
Website : www.thekcci.in
