The President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Javed Ahmad Tenga has welcomed the urgent intervention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mst. Mehbooba Mufti for initiating measures aimed at redressal of the looming power crisis in Kashmir valley.
Mr. Javid Ahmad Tenga hoped that the intervention at the level of Hon’ble Chief Minister would send a clear signal to the authorities to adhere to norms and ensure uninterrupted supply of power to the region during the winter months.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry also urge the government to take concrete steps regarding the joint demand of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) for quantification and compensation of losses to the State on account of Indus Water Treaty and also the timely return of the power projects.
The President also reiterated the demand of the Kashmir Chamber of & Industry for nomination of efficient and competent officers as Chairman and members to the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC). The SERC being a body empowered to address majority of grievances of the public it was important that this appellate and regulatory body is re-activated. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized on the timely nomination of members to this and other important bodies and commissions of the State as these institutions have a critical role to play in regulating, monitoring and redressing urgent public issues.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has already raised the issues of the T&D losses, being amongst the highest losses in the World and the lowest collection efficiency , lack of transparency, delays in procurement, cost escalation of projects and the absence of the tendering policy with the SERC which would need to be taken fresh cognizance of, as and when new Chairman / members are nominated.