Says SMVDU admissions based on merit
Jammu Tawi, Nov 24: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Monday dismissed reports of a proposed 20% hike in peak-hour power tariffs in Kashmir, stating that no such proposal was under consideration. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of J&K’s first-ever e-auction of seven limestone mineral blocks, he said, “I am also the Power Minister. No discussion on any tariff hike has taken place, let alone any approval from me. There is no plan before the government.”
The clarification came after widespread criticism over KPDCL’s proposal seeking JERC’s approval for a 20% peak-hour surcharge under the Time of Day tariff system. KPDCL officials had earlier stated that the regulatory commission had not yet taken a decision. The idea, however, drew sharp opposition from political parties, trade bodies and the public. BJP leader and LoP Sunil Sharma accused the government of “electoral fraud,” while Apni Party, PDP, Peoples Conference, KTA and KCCI termed the move unjustified and detrimental to consumers and businesses.
SMVD Medical College admissions row
On the controversy over MBBS admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence—where 42 of 50 seats went to Muslim students—Omar Abdullah said admissions were strictly merit-based. “When the Assembly passed the bill to establish the university, nowhere was it written that boys and girls of one community would be excluded. Admissions are based on merit, not religion,” he said.
His remarks followed protests by BJP and several Hindu organisations demanding exclusive reservation for Hindu students. Sharma and various groups had also met the Lieutenant Governor to protest the outcome, claiming it had angered devotees.
E-auction of limestone blocks
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to transparency, the Chief Minister said the new e-auction mechanism would unlock economic opportunities in underdeveloped mineral-rich regions of J&K. The event was jointly inaugurated by Union Minister for Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy and the Chief Minister at the Convention Centre, Jammu.
Calling the initiative a significant step toward economic revival, Omar said J&K’s mineral resources—including the sapphire of Paddar and marble reserves—remained underutilised for decades. He thanked the Union Minister for pushing the process forward and expressed hope that increased mining revenue, currently around ₹500 crore, would help J&K achieve financial self-sufficiency.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary termed the day “historic.”The event was attended by senior officials from the Centre, J&K Government, and industry representatives.
