Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari on Thursday strongly criticised the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) for its proposed plan to impose an additional 20% charge on electricity bills, calling it an “unjust and unacceptable burden on the people.”
Bukhari said that at a time when households across Jammu and Kashmir are already grappling with rising living costs, inflation, and erratic power supply, proposing an extra surcharge reflects “insensitivity towards ground realities.” He added that consumers should not be penalised for systemic shortcomings, including transmission losses and poor infrastructure.
He urged the administration to withdraw the proposal immediately and instead work on improving distribution efficiency, reducing power cuts, and ensuring round-the-clock electricity, especially as winter approaches in Kashmir.
Bukhari reiterated that Apni Party will oppose any move that causes additional financial strain on the public and called for a transparent review of KPDCL’s billing and supply mechanisms.
