Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Former Deputy Mayor Jammu & BJP senior leader, Baldev Singh Billawaria, has expressed serious concern over the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL)’s recent decision to shift from the traditional postpaid electricity billing system to a prepaid online billing system.
Billawaria held a press conference regarding the department's failure to distribute bills on time and inconvenience in online bill payment. He said that he was constantly receiving delegations of people regarding this serious issue. Billawaria stated that the matter had already been discussed earlier with the concerned department, where it was advised not to implement this system hastily, particularly because it would adversely affect the general public, especially those residing in slum and rural areas.
“A large section of our population is still not familiar with online systems and digital bill payments. The sudden implementation of a prepaid billing model will create unnecessary inconvenience and hardship for them,” he said. He further emphasized that consumers should continue receiving proper printed electricity bills at their doorstep, enabling them to pay their dues in a timely and hassle-free manner.
The abrupt transition to an entirely online prepaid model without adequate public awareness and infrastructure would only result in power disconnections for unsuspecting consumers. Addressing the issue of free electricity units, Billawaria questioned the government’s previously announced scheme of 200 free units, claiming that no beneficiary has received such benefits in any Panchayat or Ward so far.
“The government must clarify the status of this scheme and ensure transparency in its implementation,” he demanded. In addition, the Ex-Deputy Mayor strongly condemned the frequent and unscheduled power cuts being faced by the public. He asserted that the department should issue prior intimation about any power outages through newspapers or other public communication channels to avoid inconvenience to the citizens. Billawaria urged the government and JKPDCL to reconsider the prepaid billing system’s implementation until comprehensive awareness programs and proper facilities are put in place, especially for the rural and underprivileged population.
