Srinagar, August 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday asserted that there was no crisis within the government and that any decision regarding a cabinet reshuffle would be made at his discretion. He also defended the recent increase in electricity tariffs, stating that such a hike was a necessity and that the government had never committed to keeping rates unchanged.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Chief Minister Abdullah addressed multiple issues concerning governance and public welfare during a press interaction. When questioned about the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, Abdullah reiterated that his focus remained on administrative continuity. He clarified that his previous statements had only indicated that a reshuffle would not occur before August 15, leaving the timing and circumstances of any such changes to his judgment.
Defense of Electricity Tariff Hike
Responding to criticism from opposition parties regarding the hike in electricity tariffs, Chief Minister Abdullah stated that the government’s commitment was to provide 200 units of free electricity to the most economically vulnerable households. He explained that the free electricity scheme was designed to be delivered through solar panels, differentiating it from the general tariff structure.
Abdullah emphasized that the tariff increase was a separate matter from the free power initiative. He noted that the electricity rates had been raised by only six percent, marking the first such adjustment in four years. The Chief Minister characterized the hike as a compulsion for the administration, driven by the need to reduce losses in the power sector. He expressed hope that improved financial health of the power sector would lessen the necessity for future tariff increases.
Concerns Over Threats to Kashmiri Pandit Employees
The Chief Minister also addressed reports of fresh threats being issued against Kashmiri Pandit employees in the region. Describing the situation as a matter of serious concern, Abdullah urged the police and intelligence agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the source of these threats. He underscored the importance of addressing such issues promptly, recalling that similar circumstances had led to significant losses for the government approximately two to two-and-a-half years prior when Pandit employees faced targeted threats.
Abdullah stressed that the safety and protection of all government employees is a paramount responsibility of the police department. He also took the opportunity to clarify the division of responsibilities within the administration, noting that while law and order is a critical concern, its direct handling falls under the purview of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The Chief Minister advised the concerned administrative authorities not to treat these threats lightly and to ensure a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
The Chenab Times News Desk