Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD) Government departments, industrial units, and semi-government organizations in Jammu and Kashmir have accumulated massive electricity dues, putting a significant financial strain on the Power Development Department (PDD).
The startling figures were revealed in the Legislative Assembly in response to a query by MLA Sheikh Khursheed, showing that defaulters have piled up unpaid bills worth hundreds of crores.
Top Defaulters and Outstanding Dues
The biggest defaulters include several government and industrial bodies, with dues running into tens of crores:
Baba Jang – Rs 63.78 crore
Salal Hydroelectric Project (NHPC) – Rs 56.96 crore
PHE Sopore (XEN) – Rs 45.84 crore
J&K Minerals Ltd. (Chief Mining Engineer) – Rs 42.43 crore
Rajpora Lift Irrigation AWP Stage 1 & 2 – Rs 39.83 crore
PHE Mechanical Division Sopore (Ex-Engineer) – Rs 26.87 crore
Water Supply Scheme Tangnar – Rs 24.10 crore
J&K Cements Ltd. (Manager) – Rs 22.49 crore
Lift Irrigation Lethpora Stage 1st – Rs 21.97 crore
PHE Mechanical Division Sopore (PR 96) – Rs 21.41 crore
Government Pushes for Recovery Through Amnesty Scheme
To tackle the mounting dues, the government has launched an amnesty scheme, allowing consumers to clear their outstanding bills in installments while receiving relief on penalties and interest.
The Minister In-Charge of PDD informed the Assembly that 2,75,081 consumers have registered under the scheme so far, including 1,60,507 from Jammu and 1,14,574 from Kashmir.
Despite these efforts, the growing list of defaulters continues to hamper the financial sustainability of the power sector, raising concerns over accountability and enforcement. Experts suggest that while the amnesty scheme offers relief, stronger measures may be necessary to ensure timely payments and prevent further accumulation of dues.
The PDD now faces the challenge of balancing power supply with financial recovery, as it works to ensure better compliance and stricter enforcement to prevent future defaults.(DD)
