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200 units of free power for 2.23 lakh J&K families as LG Sinha clears NC’s key poll promise

Centre approves rollout under PM Surya Ghar scheme, marking first phase of National Conference’s free power pledge Top Summary What happened: The Centre approved a...

Feb 3
3 min read
200 units of free power for 2.23 lakh J&K families as LG Sinha clears NC’s key poll promise

Centre approves rollout under PM Surya Ghar scheme, marking first phase of National Conference’s free power pledge

Top Summary

  • What happened: The Centre approved a plan to provide 200 units of free electricity to 2.23 lakh AAY families in Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Why it matters now: It fulfils a major National Conference poll promise made during the 2024 Assembly elections.

  • What changes for people: Eligible families will see zero electricity bills up to 200 units once implementation begins.

  • Who is affected: Antyodaya Anna Yojana households, power utilities, and low-income families across J&K.

What happened:

In a significant policy clearance, Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, announced that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has approved a project to provide 200 free units of electricity to 2.23 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families.

The scheme will be implemented under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana using the Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) model.

Why it matters now:

Providing free power was among the cornerstone promises of the National Conference during the 2024 Assembly elections. The government had earlier signalled a phased rollout, beginning with the most economically vulnerable households.

This approval converts an electoral commitment into an executable welfare policy.

What changes for people:

  • Eligible AAY families will receive up to 200 units of free electricity

  • Lower monthly household expenses

  • Reduced exposure to tariff hikes

  • Improved access to energy for lighting, cooking, and basic appliances

The government had proposed extending the scheme to all households in later phases, depending on fiscal capacity.

Who is affected:

  • 2.23 lakh AAY households across J&K

  • Power distribution companies

  • Rural and urban low-income communities

  • State and central energy departments

Power sector overhaul underway

Highlighting structural reforms, LG Sinha said several major hydropower projects are under active execution:

  • Pakal Dul

  • Kiru

  • Kwar

  • Ratle

Together, these projects have a combined capacity of 3,014 MW, aimed at strengthening J&K’s long-term energy self-sufficiency.

Over the past five years:

  • 5,708 MVA added to the distribution sector

  • 4,239 MVA added to the transmission sector

Smart meters and revenue gains

The installation of smart prepaid meters is being carried out in mission mode:

  • 10.44 lakh meters already installed

  • 100% coverage targeted by 2026–27

This has resulted in:

  • 9% reduction in power losses

  • 16% increase in revenue realisation

The reforms signal a shift toward efficiency-driven power governance.

Push for solar and renewables

Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:

  • 6,700+ government buildings have been solarised

  • 16,800+ households now use rooftop solar

The initiative has helped:

  • Reduce power costs

  • Strengthen energy security

  • Lower dependence on conventional power sources

Tourism and economic growth

Calling tourism a vital economic pillar, LG Sinha said 1.78 crore tourists visited J&K in 2025, despite security challenges and natural calamities.

Key initiatives include:

  • Revival of pilgrim tourism in Jammu

  • Expansion of adventure tourism in Kashmir

  • Promotion of eco-tourism in tribal and border areas

A new public–private project will target:

  • Emerging destinations

  • Homestays and rural tourism

  • Border and community-based tourism

New attractions and sports push

  • ‘Bagh-e-Gul-e Dawood’, Kashmir’s first chrysanthemum garden, opened in October 2025 with 50+ varieties

  • Kashmir Marathon attracted runners from 11 countries in 2025

  • Jammu Marathon scheduled for March 2026

Bottom line

The approval of 200 units of free electricity for AAY families marks a tangible delivery on the National Conference’s election promise while reinforcing J&K’s broader push toward energy reform, renewable expansion, and inclusive growth.