Irrigation pump station J&K’s top power defaulter, owes Rs 63 crore
Several industrial units and government departments in Jammu and Kashmir have emerged as some of the top 100 defaulters of the Power Development Department (PDD), owing crores in unpaid electricity bills. A response to a query by MLA Sheikh Khursheed revealed a list of defaulters, with the amount pending from these entities running into crores.
The list is topped by Baba Jangi, with an outstanding amount of Rs 63.78 crore. However, the PDD lists “Baba Jangi” as the consumer name, which refers to the flood and irrigation pump station located in the Sumbal division of Ganderbal circle.
The Chief Engineer of Salal Hydroelectric NHPC in Reasi is also among the defaulters, with Rs 56.96 crore pending. Industrial units such as M/S Surya Pharmaceutical (Rs 35.83 crore), M/S Sharma Stone Crusher (Rs 20.74 crore) and Mir Steel Rolling Mill Pvt Ltd (Rs 10.57 crore) are also on the list.
As per the PDD, Rs 16.21 crore is pending towards DIG Police Kashmir, Rs 8.56 crore from SSP Anantnag, Rs 8.60 crore from Commandant CRPF 44 Battalion and Rs 6.72 crore from the PHE (now Jal Shakti) department in Kathua.
Other notable defaulters include the manager of Hari Niawas Palace in Jammu, with Rs 4.87 crore pending and SP Budgam Police Lines, owing Rs 11.48 crore.
In a related query raised by MLA Tanveer Sadiq regarding excessive electricity bills causing financial distress to consumers, the PDD responded, stating that it is not true.
“The Discoms (distribution companies) issue bills based on actual electricity consumption for metered consumers in line with the tariff order issued by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). Un-metered consumers are also billed according to the JERC tariff,” the department clarified.
To assist defaulters, the government launched a scheme for domestic consumers, waiving interest and surcharges on past unpaid bills, with the condition that current bills are paid regularly.
