No Power Tariff Hike in J&K, Says CM Omar Abdullah; Rebuts Rumours of Peak-Hour Surcharge

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday ruled out any proposal to increase electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing recent reports about a 20% surcharge on base power tariff during peak hours.

Speaking to reporters after launching the e-auction of limestone mineral blocks in the presence of Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Omar said,
“No electricity hike is proposed, and I do not know where this rumour started. I am also the Power Minister, and no such discussion has taken place, let alone my signature on any such proposal.”

He reiterated that the Government had already clarified in the Budget that power tariffs would not be increased.
“Unnecessarily, this has been made into an issue,” he added.

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‘Limestone Blocks Will Remain With J&K, Centre Only Assisting’

Clarifying concerns raised by political opponents, Omar said the e-auction of seven limestone blocks was being conducted transparently with the help of the Centre, but ownership and control would remain entirely with the J&K Government.

“Some of my political friends have been spreading speculation. These blocks will not be handed over to anyone, nor will the Centre control them,” he said.

Limestone, he noted, is a crucial raw material for cement manufacturing, and efforts would be made to attract cement industries to the mining regions to generate local employment.

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‘Merit Cannot Be Replaced by Religion’: Omar Slams BJP Over SMVDIME Admissions Row

The Chief Minister took strong exception to the BJP’s objections over the first admissions list of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), where many selected candidates belonged to one community.

Omar reminded critics that both the SMVD University Act and constitutional principles mandate merit-based admissions.

“Where was it written that students of a particular religion would be excluded? Some people do not seem to like merit-based admissions. If they want admissions without merit, they should first seek the Supreme Court’s permission,” he said.

He warned that allowing religious preference in admissions would set a dangerous precedent:
“If tomorrow the Government starts taking decisions based on religion, what will happen to welfare schemes, ration distribution, or even policing?”

Omar further added, “Our Constitution has the word ‘secular’. If you do not want to keep the country secular, remove that word.”

He also advised LoP Sunil Sharma to read the Act passed by the J&K Assembly, stressing that it clearly calls for allocation of seats based on merit alone.

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J&K Aims for Financial Self-Sufficiency

Expressing hope for a future where J&K no longer depends on central funds, Omar said he looked forward to a time when the UT could contribute financially to the Centre.

During the event, he thanked Minister Reddy for pushing J&K to expedite mineral exploration and helping fast-track the auction process.

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E-Auction Marks ‘Crucial Step’ for Economic Revival

Omar described the launch of e-auction of limestone blocks as a major step toward economic revival in mineral-rich but economically weaker regions of J&K.

Currently, J&K earns around ₹500 crore annually from mineral blocks. With more blocks being identified, the Chief Minister expects a significant rise in revenue.

He assured complete transparency in the process:
“Our effort is to auction these blocks in a transparent manner. The J&K Government will not create any obstacles.”

He emphasised once again that the Centre’s role is purely facilitative:
“The Central Government is assisting us to increase earnings. The mines remain with J&K.”