J&K Assembly Admits Resolution Seeking One-Time Power Tariff Waiver for Domestic Consumers

Srinagar, Oct 21 : In a move that could bring major relief to thousands of households across Jammu and Kashmir, the Legislative Assembly Secretariat has officially admitted a private member’s resolution proposed by Hon’ble Member Mir Mohammad Fayaz. The resolution seeks a one-time exemption of all outstanding electricity dues owed by domestic consumers to the Power Development Department (PDD).
According to an official communication issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat, the resolution titled “One-Time Exemption of all outstanding dues on account of electric tariff to domestic consumers” has been admitted under Rule 179 read with Rule 28 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
The letter, bearing reference number LA:4460/Legn/2025 and dated October 20, 2025, was signed by Shabir Ahmad Wani, Under Secretary to the J&K Legislative Assembly. It formally informs the legislator that his resolution has been accepted for inclusion in the upcoming ballot of Private Members’ Resolutions.
As per the notice, the balloting process for Private Members’ Resolutions will be conducted in the office chambers of the Secretary, J&K Legislative Assembly, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Mr. Fayaz has been asked to be present during the process.
The resolution, if taken up for discussion and subsequently approved, could have a significant economic and social impact, especially on middle- and low-income households burdened by accumulated electricity bills.
Mir Mohammad Fayaz, known for raising people-centric issues, has argued that the continuing financial distress among consumers—exacerbated by inflation, unemployment, and economic slowdown—has left thousands unable to clear long-pending power dues. A one-time waiver, according to the legislator, would offer immediate relief to struggling families and help restore public trust in utility reforms.
He has also urged the government to consider the waiver as a welfare measure, similar to previous debt-relief schemes introduced in other parts of the country. The move, he believes, will not only ease the burden on domestic consumers but also improve billing discipline once arrears are cleared through a fresh start.
Over the past few months, several consumer groups and local representatives across Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns about rising electricity tariffs and erratic supply in certain areas. Many residents, especially in rural districts, have demanded concessions citing irregular income sources and lack of metering facilities.
If the proposed resolution is taken up for debate and endorsed by the House, it could prompt the Power Development Department (PDD) to draft a comprehensive framework for settlement of dues, possibly including phased restructuring or a waiver policy for domestic users.
As the Assembly gears up for its next session, the issue is expected to gain wide political and public attention. All eyes will now be on the upcoming ballot proceedings to see whether the one-time tariff exemption proposal makes it to the House floor for formal discussion.