Budgam : Chairman Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (JKPDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has voiced serious concern over inadequate power supply to the consumers that he said has plunged the entire Kashmir valley into darkness . ً
In a statement issued here on Thursday Hakeem alleged that PDD has failed in meeting its own power curtailment schedule in prevailing chilly winter months ,not to talk of adequate power supply to the consumers. He said long un- scheduled power cuts have not only affected studies of students , business establishments and industries but the tourism sector would also be badly hit due to non availability of power supply in hotels and restaurants. How can one imagine about tourist arrivals to kashmir in winter in absence of required power supply in hotels and restaurants ,Hakeem questioned .
PDF Chief has demanded restoration of power supply in Budgam ,Beerwa and Khansahib areas where electricity supply has been snapped for non payment of pending power tariff bills .He said due to severe setback to fruit industry and heavy financial losses to fruit growers this year ,the consumers of these areas were not in position to pay their power bills timely so government should come to thier rescue and restore power supply in these areas . He said in a welfare state , government was duty bound to provide basic amenities to its citizens at all costs , over and above monetary considerations . He has urged the government to import power supply for winter months in accordance to the local requirements and supply it to the consumers at subsidised rates to address thier power woes . He said the power curtailment schedule, announced by the PDD has come as a big shocker for the peope of Jammu and Kashmir especially living in winter zones . He said despite making manifolds increase in power tarrif and installation of smart meters , power supply plays hide and seek ,leaving the consumers hay and sundry.
PDF Chairman said not only on power supply front, Government has miserably failed to provide other basic services also to the people . He said supply of only 5 kgs of rice against 20 kgs per soul per months earlier was come as another the another shocker adding that people have been left at mercy of black marketers to meet their ration requirements . He alleged that government has also failed to check sky rocketing increase in prices of other essential commodities especially vegetables and other eatables, Stating therein further that people of Jammu and Kashmir were passing through a traumatic phase of socio- economic deprivation where it has become very difficult to feed a family and fulfill daily needs.
