Kulgam: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Monday made a big announcement stating that the government will take care of poor people’s power bills but those having palatial houses, I-Phones with 5-internet service and other gadgets have to pay power tariff as per usage.
“Let me announce today that the government will take care of the poor who can’t afford to pay bills. But those who have palatial houses, I-Phones with 5-G internet data and other gadgets will have to pay power bills as per their usage. They shouldn’t at least make excuses in paying the power bills,” the LG said addressing a gathering at Mini-Secretariat in southern district of Kulgam,
He said that in the last 70 years, 3400 MW power was generated locally in J&K and in the next three years, equal MWs will be produced.
The LG said that wherever a feeder is 100 per cent metered, power disruption won’t be just for a minute let alone an hour.
“I urge people to cooperate with us in getting the smart meter installation process completed as soon as possible,” he said.
The LG said that J&K people are getting the cheapest electricity compared to other states. “We have borrowed Rs 20,000 Crore worth electricity from outside in the past three to four years. This won’t do. People must pay as per usage,” he said.
“Given J&K’s topography and snowfall, some projects get delayed. Delay in completion of projects has been given to us in legacy and we are trying to break this tradition of delay in projects’ completion,” he said.
During his visit to Kulgam, LG paid homage to the martyrs, who made supreme sacrifice to protect the integrity and sovereignty of the nation, an official press release informed.
It said he also dedicated various development projects to the people of the district.
In his address on the occasion, the LG commended the endeavour of the IGNCA and the district administration for the promotion of the literary activities in Kulgam. The Veshaw Literary Festival over the next two days will bring power of ideas and imagination to the people, he added.
“J&K reflects the composite cultural identity of India and it has kept alive time-tested traditional wisdom and knowledge. Writers, artists, Rishis and Sufis were guiding forces and immensely contributed to cultural synergies over the years,” the LG said.
He said the world of literature and art expands our horizon, offers limitless wisdom, intellectual inspiration, new ideas and perspectives.
“Literature is also a device for inner growth and provides new insights. We should cherish the diversity literature offers in different languages to enlighten the society,” he added.
Reiterating the commitment of the UT administration, the LG that in the last few years, a conducive environment has been created for artists, writers, litterateurs to realize their true potential and promote the rich spiritual, creative and cultural values of Jammu and Kashmir.
He called upon the writers and artists to present the transformation taking place in J&K UT to the world.
“Terrorism affects every vital sphere of a society, damages artistic freedom and stifles socio-cultural growth. We must come together to neutralize this menace and ensure dignity of people, freedom of thought and fundamental right of cultural expression,” LG said.
The LG also highlighted the major reforms introduced by the UT administration to ensure social-economic equality, improving quality of life and inclusive development of J&K.
He said the 29 poor landless PMAY beneficiaries have been provided with five Marla land in Kulgam, and 7,286 youth in the district were provided handholding under different self-employment schemes.
On the occasion, the LG also reminded the people to strike a balance between rights and duties to support the progress of the Union Territory.
He said if the capable section of the society pay for the services, it will become easy for the government to take care of the needs of the poor, small and marginal farmers and even provide them relief in power bills. But, the system cannot function if the rich refuse to discharge their duties towards J&K and the nation.
The projects inaugurated by the LG today included Conference Hall at Mini Secretariat, Indoor Badminton Court, two-lane 400 Mtr Bridge on Kulgam-Chambgund road and Finance Complex at Mini Secretariat.
Mohammad Afzal Parrey, Chairman, District Development Council Kulgam; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary Tourism; Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam; PRI members, prominent personalities from literary field and large number of people were present on the occasion.
