Srinagar, August 23, 2026: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has lambasted the National Conference government over the 6.83% average hike in electricity tariffs, saying the move exposes the widening gap between the NC’s election promises and its governance.
As per statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the NC’s 2024 manifesto promised 200 units of free electricity, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Legislative Assembly on 25 March 2025, “Our aim is to give 200 units of free electricity to the people and it will be done.” Instead, consumers are now facing higher power bills, with the revised tariff effective 1 September 2026.
“JERC has assessed the annual requirement of JPDCL and KPDCL at ₹10,275.72 crore, against ₹7,352.87 crore revenue at existing tariffs. The revised tariff is expected to generate ₹7,854.94 crore, while another ₹2,420.78 crore will come from government subsidy and grant-in-aid. The question is simple: before burdening consumers with higher tariffs and putting ₹2,420.78 crore of public money into the sector, why has the government failed to address the underlying gap of ₹2,922.85 crore?” Inam asked.
Inam Un Nabi said the people deserve transparency on power purchases, transmission and distribution losses, outstanding dues and operational expenditure.
“The NC promised relief but delivered a tariff hike. The people were promised 200 free units; they are now being asked to pay more. This is not just a broken promise, it is a serious question of public accountability,” Inam said.
Inam Un Nabi demanded that the government immediately publish a time-bound roadmap for the promised 200 free units and explain how it intends to protect ordinary households from the rising cost of electricity.
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