JK CM Announces 200 Units of Free Electricity for AAY Families, Free Rides to Women in Govt Buses
Srinagar 07 March 2025: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday announced 200 units of free electricity for AAY families in Jammu and Kashmir. The CM also announced free ridership for all women of J&K in Government-owned public transport including e-buses on the eve of International Women’s Day.
The announcement was made by him while presenting J&K Budget 2025-26 in the J & K Legislative Assembly. He also announced 200 free units of electricity for all AAY houses, keeping a promise made in the NC manifesto. In August last year Omar, who is also National Conference (NC) Vice President, promised 200 units of free power if his party is voted to power. On Wednesday, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir aims to achieve self-sufficiency in power generation in next two years, ensuring a reliable electricity supply, and that the government was committed to offering 200 units of free electricity.
Responding to a question from National Conference MLA Shamima Firdous, the Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of Power portfolio said, in a written reply, that in collaboration with NHPC, JKSPDC has formed joint ventures such as CVPPL and RHPCL to implement various projects in Jammu and Kashmir. When asked whether the government provides 200 units of free electricity to consumers and what steps have been taken in this regard, the government responded saying, “the necessary steps will be outlined during the demand for grants for the sector.” In its poll manifesto, NC had also said that the “ women shall be entitled to travel free in all public transport.”.
200 Units of Free Electricity for AAY Families
In line with the National Conference (NC) manifesto, Omar Abdullah announced 200 units of free electricity for all AAY families in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative aims to provide much-needed relief to the most economically vulnerable sections of society, ensuring a reliable electricity supply and reducing the financial burden on these families.
Free Rides for Women in Government Buses
On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister announced free ridership for all women in J&K in government-owned public transport, including e-buses. This initiative is expected to ease financial burdens, enhance access to education and employment, and promote greater independence for women by removing transport costs.
Commitment to Self-Sufficiency in Power Generation
Omar Abdullah reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in power generation within the next two years. He highlighted the collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and NHPC to implement various hydroelectric projects, including the Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle projects, which are expected to significantly boost the region’s power generation capacity.
Additional Welfare Measures
The Chief Minister also announced several other welfare measures, including:
- 10 kg of free ration per month for AAY beneficiaries starting April 1, 2025.
- Marriage assistance for girls under the AAY category increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
- Introduction of 200 more e-buses in Srinagar and Jammu to improve public transport.
Bottom-Line
The announcements made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the J&K Budget 2025-26 presentation reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable sections of society and promoting gender equality. The initiatives aim to provide financial relief, enhance mobility, and ensure a reliable electricity supply for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
