From ₹500 to ₹2,100 : Electricity bills hiked 400% in past two years.
Despite repeated assurances from the government that electricity tariffs would remain unchanged, widespread anger has spread across South Kashmir, with residents condemning what they call “arbitrary and unbearable” increases in power bills.
Rising Costs
According to local consumers, monthly electricity bills that stood at around Rs 400–500 just two years ago have surged to as high as Rs 2,080. This nearly 400% jump has placed a heavy financial burden on households, leaving many families struggling to cope.
Impact on Household Finances
The sharp increase has disproportionately affected low-income and middle-class families. Residents complain that even homes with very low electricity consumption—used only for basic lighting and small appliances—are being charged amounts typically associated with commercial or industrial usage.
“This is nothing short of injustice. We were promised that tariffs would be rationalized and that poorer sections would be safeguarded. Instead, our bills have increased fourfold. How is a daily wage worker or a small farmer supposed to manage this?” said a local resident.
Forced Trade-offs Between Essentials
The timing of the hike has drawn particular criticism. As the cost of essential goods continues to rise and income opportunities remain limited, many residents say the increased power bills have left them facing impossible decisions. “Electricity is a basic necessity, not a luxury,” a group of residents remarked, adding that families are now being forced to choose between putting food on the table and paying for power.
Calls for Government Intervention
Affected residents are urging the authorities to step in without delay and have put forward several key demands:
- An immediate withdrawal of the revised electricity tariffs.
- Rational billing that takes household income levels into account.
- A comprehensive review and audit of existing metering and billing systems.
Although officials have repeatedly spoken about welfare measures and consumer relief, many residents say those promises now appear empty. They have warned that failure to address these concerns will leave them with no option but to resort to organized protests in pursuit of justice for the region’s economically vulnerable communities.
