FI opposes electricity tariff hike in J

Jammu, Apr 29 (UNI) Federation of Industries (FI), a body of micro, small and medium scale industry owners, has criticised the decision of Jammu and Kashmir State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JKSERC) to hike the tariff of power in the state.

Addressing mediapersons here today, FI President Rajesh Jain said, ''By increasing the power tariff up to 140 per cent, the state government has proved that it does not bother about small industries.'' The hike in power tariff was a conspiracy to compel 'son of soil' (local entrepreneurs) to shut down their industries in the militancy-infested state, Mr Jain said.

''The commission has very recently approved power tariff hikes for all categories of consumers. However the industrial sector has been loaded the most and is the worst effected,'' he said.

Mr Jain said the quantum of increase is abnormal and is bound to have crippling effect upon the existing units in micro, small and medium sector units mostly setup by local entrepreneurs.

''We valiantly faced the burnt of prolonged militancy first in Punjab and now in our state. Such exorbitant hike shall have nullifying effect forcing them to withhold expansion plans of their projects or withdraw completely,'' he said.

Appealing to the government to reconsider the decision, Mr Jain said the industrial sector is 100 per cent metered sector and is best paymaster on regular basis since power is its blood and lifeline.

UNI