There is not an iota of doubt that people in Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting eagerly for fulfillment of the promise made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with regard to providing 200 units of electricity free of cost to the consumers every month. The level of excitement of the people has once again crossed limits after CM Omar Abdullah has recently reiterated about fulfilling this commitment starting from March 2025 during an interaction with a famous national television channel.
It is pertinent to mention that this promise of free electricity has probably helped the National Conference party to dominate in the recently held Assembly polls in J&K because power tariff was a big issue during that time especially after the installation of the smart meters, which have irked the people very much as many sections of people alleged that the new meters are dispensing readings which are not in proportion to the usage of the electricity leading to excessive billing.
The promise of free electricity therefore has been met with high anticipation, especially among the poorer sections of society who are struggling with increasing electricity costs. The smart meters have led to heightened anxiety among consumers with several of them fearing a rise in electricity bills therefore people especially the poor strata of society in particular are eagerly awaiting this relief as electricity expenses have become gigantic.
The promise of 200 free units is viewed as a potential lifeline for those having limited income and less resources. However, the delay in its implementation has been raising the adrenaline levels of people as they are becoming anxious fearing non-implementation of this big promise having potential to bail out the marginalized sections from one of the major expenses of daily life viz. electricity bill.
All said and done, people in J&K have been keenly hoping the government will fulfill its promise which in turn will help alleviate the financial strain they have been facing due to escalating power tariffs. Though the CM has been rekindling hopes of the people but till the time his words will transform into action, the people are left with no other option but to keep the fingers crossed and pray for the best.
