Srinagar: In the 2024 Assembly elections, the National Conference had pledged to provide relief from the power and water crisis faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Two years into its tenure, however, the NC Government has delivered little on its core promises of free electricity, water supply, and respite to industries from power tariffs. While certain schemes were announced to implement these commitments, most remain either unimplemented or diluted.
As per a copy of the manifesto available with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the NC had made eight promises regarding electricity and water for the people of J&K. As the Government completes two years in office on October 16, 2026, the news agency—KNO reviews the status of these pledges and the actions taken by the Government over the past two years to fulfil them.
Free electricity
The NC manifesto assured 200 units of free electricity to households.
Action: In its first budget, the Government restricted the benefit to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, who constitute about 8.6% of the UT’s population. Even this has not materialised, with the Government recently admitting in the Assembly that the scheme is still at the tendering stage.
Transfer of power projects
In its manifesto, the party had promised to seek transfer of hydro power projects from NHPC to J&K in line with recommendations of the PM’s Working Group. The Rangarajan Committee (2006), formally known as the Working Group on Economic Development of Jammu & Kashmir, had recommended that the Dulhasti Hydroelectric Project (390 MW) be transferred from NHPC to the J&K Government.
Action: In the autumn session, the Jammu & Kashmir Government informed the Assembly that no such proposal is under consideration at present.
Settlement of electricity arrears
The party had assured a one‑time settlement of electricity arrears in both rural and urban areas.
Action: The amnesty scheme for domestic consumers, initiated during central rule, was extended by the NC Government but expired on March 31, 2026, with no fresh extension announced.
Respite in tariff for industries
The National Conference had committed to explore ways and means to provide some respite in power tariffs to industries.
Action: Instead of respite, industrial consumers faced a nearly 10% hike in energy charges, higher than the 6.83% average revision approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Free drinking water
The NC had promised that it would provide free drinking water to each household.
Action: No steps have been taken to fulfil this pledge.
Drinking water for faraway areas
The NC’s manifesto pledged “special attention to far and inaccessible areas of Jammu and Kashmir and ensure supply of drinking water to them.”
Action: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), meant to provide drinking water to rural areas, remained stalled during the NC rule in the past two years. Despite central funding of over Rs 6000–7000 crore under the scheme during central rule, the NC-led Government failed to secure fresh allocations, leaving the scheme in limbo.
Proper utilisation of JJM funds, plugging of leakages
The NC had pledged to ensure proper utilisation of funds that come under the Jal Jeevan Mission and plug all the loopholes that have been exploited in recent years.
Action: A House Committee was formed by the Speaker of the Assembly to probe irregularities, but its findings were contested by the NC‑led Government. The PHE Minister Javid Rana admitted discrepancies in pipe procurement figures and announced that only schemes identified in the committee’s report would be pursued, instead of the 3,200 projects originally taken up.
Increase in free power
The NC had promised steps would be taken to get the free power ratio raised from the present 10 percent to 40 percent from NHPC-owned projects.
Action: As of now, nothing has been done to fulfil the promise—(KNO)
