JKECC protest on Feb 4 still on; MLA Waheed Para slams move
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The high-level meeting on privatization of J&K power distribution, scheduled for February 5 at 4:00 PM in the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, has been cancelled following strong backlash from various quarters, including power employees and political leaders.
The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) issued an official notice confirming the cancellation of the meeting.
The meeting was originally planned to review the status of crucial power sector reforms and the implementation of major projects in J&K. Key agenda points included assessing the progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), evaluating hydroelectric projects, and discussing Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) projects in the transmission sector.
One of the most contentious topics set for discussion was the privatization of power distribution in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the integration of IoT-based systems for real-time monitoring of electricity availability and consumption.
The meeting was to be attended by top officials from the PDD, including the Principal Secretary (Power Development Department), Principal Secretary (Finance), Managing Directors of JPDCL and KPDCL, and senior officials from Jammu & Kashmir Power Corporation Limited (JKSPDC). Additionally, Kashmir-based officers were expected to participate remotely from the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.
The cancellation comes amid growing opposition to the privatization move. The Jammu and Kashmir Power Employees Coordination Committee (JKECC) has already called for a protest on February 4 in both Jammu and Kashmir, opposing the government’s plan to hand over power distribution to private entities.
Expressing strong disapproval, MLA Pulwama Waheed Para took to X (formerly Twitter), saying: “A party that began with the promise of autonomy & ended up normalizing it to mere municipalities is now, despite having an overwhelming mandate, set to privatize the distribution of our electricity, initiating the process of placing our most critical public service institute into corporate hands, hitting every household in J&K. Promised defiance, delivered surrender & now planning to sell our survival. Good boys.”
The government’s push for privatization has raised concerns among employees and political representatives, with many fearing that it could lead to higher electricity costs and job insecurity. However, the administration maintains that privatization aims to enhance efficiency and reduce power losses.
