Srinagar: National President of the Indian Youth Congress, Uday Banu Chib, on Saturday strongly opposed the introduction of prepaid smart electricity meters in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the move would deprive economically weaker sections of access to electricity and betray promises made to the people before the elections.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress Party headquarters in Srinagar, Chib said such measures may be considered only when the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir improves and people are financially capable of bearing the cost.
“When people can afford it and the situation improves, you can introduce such systems. But right now, not everyone can afford prepaid meters. This means those who cannot pay will be left without electricity. A government that calls itself pro-people should not allow this,” he said.
Chib appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to withdraw the prepaid smart meter policy, stating that the issue was part of the Congress party’s pre-election commitments.
Raising the issue of statehood, Chib said the fight to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and protect local rights over land and government jobs must continue with greater intensity. He expressed concern that the current government was not being proactive enough on these core issues.
“Statehood is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Our land should remain protected, and all government jobs must be reserved for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He thanked the Congress leadership in Jammu and Kashmir for consistently raising these demands and said the Youth Congress would stand firmly with them.
On employment, Chib said there was growing concern over non-locals occupying government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir despite domicile provisions. He said that such a situation never existed when Jammu and Kashmir was a full-fledged state.
“These rights are not new. They date back to 1926, when Maharaja Hari Singh ensured protections for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We cannot compare our situation with other states. We face harsh climatic conditions and security challenges, with Pakistan on one side and China on the other. The people here need special protections,” he said.
Responding to questions on delays in restoring statehood despite assurances in Parliament, Chib accused the BJP of deliberately dragging the issue.
“We have to be aggressive. The BJP does not listen politely. History shows that rights are achieved only when people come out on the streets,” he said, citing farmers’ protests and India’s freedom movement as examples.
Chib said the Youth Congress was prepared to take to the streets repeatedly if necessary, stressing that raising the voice of young people remains its primary responsibility.
“If needed, we will stand against both the BJP government and the Jammu and Kashmir government on these issues. The voice of the youth cannot be ignored,” he said.
