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| Assembly panel slams JKPDCL over billing irregularities in remote, unmetered areas | | | 
Sandeep Bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 12: Taking serious note of consumer complaints regarding inflated electricity bills, the Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has directed the Power Development Corporation to address the issue without delay. The directive came during a meeting chaired by COPU Chairman Ali Mohammad Sagar, convened to review audit observations related to the functioning of the J&K Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL). Members expressed concern over excessive billing in unmetered and remote areas and emphasized the need for immediate rectification, citing genuine public demand.
The meeting was attended by Committee members Saifullah Mir, Ali Mohammad Dar, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri), Showkat Hussain Ganie, Saif-ud-Din Bhat, and Tanvir Sadiq.
During the deliberations, the Committee examined various audit paras and irregularities flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The Chairman underlined the importance of accountability, transparency, and timely project execution, directing the Corporation to fix responsibility and take strict action against negligent officials.
Sagar noted that several projects are running far beyond their stipulated timelines as outlined in Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). He urged officers to draft realistic and well-structured DPRs to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure smooth implementation.
Calling for strengthened oversight, the Chairman encouraged members to hold departments accountable by raising such issues in relevant forums. He stressed that Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) must uphold financial discipline and operational efficiency to protect public resources and serve the greater good.
Further, the COPU instructed the Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD) to submit an action-taken report within a month, outlining corrective measures implemented to address audit concerns and prevent recurrence of lapses.
The Committee unanimously resolved that officers found guilty of negligence or procedural violations would face strict disciplinary action. Members reiterated their concern over project delays, administrative lapses, and recurring issues such as inflated billing, particularly in underserved regions. |
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