Kashmir Impulse Desk
Baramulla, Aug 25
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday his government would not raise electricity tariffs again during its current term, after a recent increase drew criticism from consumers and opposition parties.
Addressing a gathering in Tangmarg, Abdullah said the latest revision had placed only a limited additional burden on consumers. He also pointed to tariff increases implemented by previous governments.
He said his government would make every effort to ensure consumers were not subjected to another increase.
“After this, we will not increase the electricity rates any further,” Abdullah said.
The chief minister said the government would now focus on drinking water, schools, healthcare, roads and horticulture infrastructure.
Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for a fruit and vegetable market at Wussan-Kunzer in Tangmarg, describing it as a long-pending demand of local growers.
Abdullah said Gulmarg-Tangmarg would emerge as one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most developed constituencies during the remaining term of his government.
He also expressed regret over delays in completing the Tangmarg mini-secretariat, work on which began during his previous tenure.
Abdullah blamed subsequent governments for the delay and said construction would resume this year.
“We will start work on it this year and hand it over to the people of Tangmarg,” he said.
He said his government would return to voters after three-and-a-half years having fulfilled its commitments.
