Power Play: Influential Individuals Get Preferential Treatment as Poor Suffer

Srinagar, Oct 30, KNT: The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) faces severe criticism for alleged mismanagement and favoritism towards influential individuals, leaving the poor to bear the brunt of excessive electricity bills. Many examples have come to light in Downtown Srinagar, where widows receive a monthly widow fund of Rs 1,000 from the government but are compelled to pay Rs 2,080 (flat rate) as their monthly power bill in a non-metered area.

“This is a joke and a situation to ponder,” locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust. “How can a widow receive Rs 1,000 as assistance from the government and then be forced to pay extra in the name of power tariff?”

The disparity is further highlighted by the fact that a businessman from old Srinagar city living in the non-metered area receives a bill of less than Rs 1,000, despite being liable for the flat rate of Rs 2,080. This stark contrast has raised questions about the fairness of the system.

Locals have pointed out instances where influential people, with the aid of some tainted KPDCL employees, have manipulated the system to their advantage. KPDCL’s swift action against poor consumers, while turning a blind eye to influential individuals, has raised suspicions of ‘corruption and favoritism.’  The Corporation’s decision to name and shame consumers accused of power pilferage has been criticized, particularly given their reluctance to address wrongdoing within their ranks.

A recent incident has further eroded public trust. An engineer posted in Srinagar outskirts was attached after complaints poured in that he had adjusted the bills of some factory owners during the period of the Model Code of Conduct. The engineer in question had manipulated the bills, charging well-to-do industrialists below the normal rate. Why and how this Engineer did this to help these rich businessmen is a question only he can answer.

Despite the newly elected government’s promise to reduce power tariffs, the installation of smart meters has only added to the financial burden of the poor. The government’s allocation of Rs 14.85 crore for brand-new vehicles for elected MLAs has also raised questions about their priorities. “If the government has resources to invest in luxury vehicles for MLAs, why can’t they relieve common people from heavy power tariffs?” asked a frustrated resident. [KNT]