Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Friday discussed the implementation framework for providing 200 units of free electricity every month to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families and approved the reorganisation of the Jal Shakti Department as part of broader governance reforms in the Union Territory.
The meeting, held in Srinagar, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the cabinet deliberated on several important administrative proposals aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating inclusive and sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources said the cabinet held detailed discussions on modalities for rolling out the government’s flagship promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to economically weaker households falling under the AAY category.
During the meeting, discrepancies were noted in the beneficiary data maintained by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and the Power Development Department.
The cabinet decided that the data maintained by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department would be considered for identifying eligible beneficiaries for the scheme, sources said.
The free electricity initiative is proposed to be implemented under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana through the Utility-Led Aggregation model.
The scheme is expected to benefit over 2.22 lakh AAY households across Jammu and Kashmir through installation of rooftop solar systems aimed at generating up to 200 units of electricity per month.
The move is seen as a major step towards fulfilling the ruling National Conference’s key electoral promise made during the 2024 Assembly elections.
Earlier this year, the government had informed the Assembly that the proposal for providing 200 units of free electricity to AAY families was in the final stage of approval.
Official figures placed before the Assembly had revealed that over 1.72 lakh AAY households had already been verified by the power utilities for availing the benefit, while the identification process for remaining beneficiaries was underway.
Sources further disclosed that the cabinet also approved the proposal for reorganisation of the Jal Shakti Department, although detailed contours of the restructuring were not immediately made public.
The reorganisation is expected to streamline the department’s functioning and improve delivery of water supply and allied services across the Union Territory.
The meeting assumes significance as the Omar Abdullah-led government has been focusing on administrative restructuring, welfare-oriented initiatives and infrastructure reforms since assuming office.
Officials said several proposals related to governance reforms and public service delivery were discussed during the cabinet session.
Earlier, the government had also approved implementation of several budget announcements, including enhanced social security pensions, and free ration support for AAY beneficiaries.
