Srinagar, February 7, 2025 – The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to extend a power amnesty scheme to all commercial power consumers, emphasizing the urgent need for relief in light of the economic hardships faced by businesses.
In a formal request submitted to Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah, the Chamber highlighted the financial strain that rising electricity costs have placed on commercial establishments. While the government has already introduced a power amnesty scheme for domestic consumers, which remains in force, KCCI insists that the commercial sector must also be included in these relief measures.
The pandemic had a devastating impact on Kashmir’s economy, particularly on the tourism sector, where hotels witnessed a 90% decline in visitor arrivals. Several other industries and commercial businesses continue to struggle with financial instability, making electricity charges an additional burden.
Although the Union Territory (UT) government has previously expressed its willingness to consider concessions—such as interest waivers and reductions in per kW demand charges—KCCI is now calling for urgent follow-up and implementation of these measures.
The Chamber has consistently raised this issue in meetings with UT authorities, including recent discussions with the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and other senior officials at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. With the next budget proposals set to be announced soon in the UT Assembly, KCCI is pushing for swift and decisive action.
The proposed power amnesty, if implemented, would provide much-needed relief to Kashmir’s business community, particularly the tourism, industrial, and commercial sectors, helping them recover from the twin challenges of the pandemic and ongoing regional economic difficulties.
