Power dues of govt deptts’ in J&K swell to Rs 9933 cr, double in 2 yrs
The power dues of government departments, autonomous bodies and corporations in Jammu and Kashmir have been swelled to whopping amount of Rs. 9933.1 crore in last two years despite the administration has been encouraging everyone in the Union Territory to clear pending dues.
Sources said that the power dues of government departments have been swelled to Rs 9933.1 crore during current fiscal 2021-22 from Rs. 4882.0 crores in 2020-21 and Rs. 4580.6 in 2019-20.
They informed that the lackadaisical approach of the departments to clear power dues has prompted the Union Government to halt subsidy.
“We have not received any subsidy for the year 2021-22 so far. However, Rs. 1500 crore was released in 2020-21 and Rs. 300 crore in 2019- 20,” they said.
They divulged that the Union Government provide financial assistance under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
“To receive financial aid the states as well as UTs have been asked to ensure that all Government Departments/ Attached Offices/ Local Bodies/ Autonomous Bodies/ Boards/Corporations have made 100% payment of current electricity dues for the year under evaluation,” they said.
Sources also informed that departments have been failed to clear dues despite repeated circular issued by J&K Finance Department.
“One of the circulars issued in the month of September 2021 asking the departments to pay bills and directing them to adopt it as a monthly exercise,” they said.
Sources citing the same circular said that the highest amount of Rs 415.56 crores is owed by the Jal Shakti Department, followed by the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) that owes an amount of Rs 106.36 crores.
Moreover, RDSS also aims at implementation of prepaid Smart Metering for all Government offices, excluding emergency public services like hospitals, waterworks and street lighting. It is expected that this will ensure timely payment of all Government Departments electricity dues including dues from ULBs/ RLBs to the DISCOMs.
