The women’s wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party staged a protest in Srinagar against the recent increase in electricity tariffs. The party workers voiced their opposition to the hike, which they believe places an undue financial burden on consumers.
According to reports, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average increase of 6.83 per cent in electricity tariffs across Jammu and Kashmir, with the new rates scheduled to take effect from September 1. Protesters gathered at Press Colony, Srinagar, carrying party flags and placards, and raised slogans against the government, demanding an immediate rollback of the decision.
Party members highlighted that consumers are already struggling with high electricity bills and frequent power outages. They argued that the tariff increase is unjustified, particularly when there has been no discernible improvement in power supply. The installation of smart meters, which was expected to bring transparency and efficiency, has not alleviated the concerns of consumers regarding billing and supply reliability.
The Apni Party has criticized the administration for failing to address the public’s grievances related to essential services. They pointed out that the increased electricity charges come at a time when households are already facing rising living costs. The party leaders emphasized that such decisions exacerbate the financial strain on ordinary families and called for the administration to reconsider and withdraw the tariff hike.
Similar protests have been reported in Jammu, where party members, including Provincial President Manjit Singh, have led demonstrations against the electricity tariff increase. The party has accused the government of burdening consumers despite persistent power cuts and has demanded immediate relief. The Apni Party has warned of intensifying its agitation across Jammu and Kashmir if the tariff hike is not rescinded.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
