The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today made a final call to its domestic consumers, urging them to come forward and claim a waiver on late payment surcharge under the Government’s Power Amnesty Scheme. The scheme, which has been running for several months, is set to end on March 31, 2025, and there will be no further extension after this deadline.

In a statement issued today, Er. Aaquib Waheed Deva, Chief Engineer of the Distribution Wing at KPDCL, emphasized that consumers have a limited window of time to avail of the amnesty. “The Power Amnesty Scheme will remain available only until March 31, 2025, and no further extensions will be granted. Consumers are encouraged to settle their outstanding dues by either paying the principal amount in full or opting for equal instalments over the next four months to claim the waiver on the late payment surcharge,” said Deva.

Details of the Amnesty Scheme

The Amnesty Scheme is designed to provide relief to domestic consumers by waiving off the late payment surcharge on outstanding dues, which has been a significant burden for many consumers. To qualify for the waiver, consumers need to clear their principal dues either in a lump sum or through a structured payment plan, which can be divided into equal instalments.

KPDCL has urged all eligible domestic consumers to take advantage of this one-time opportunity to clear their bills and avoid any further penalties or legal action. After March 31, 2025, no claims will be entertained, and the usual late payment charges will apply to any pending amounts.

Progress So Far: Over 1 Lakh Consumers Avail the Scheme

As of today, a total of 1,09,648 domestic consumers have already availed themselves of the benefits under the Amnesty Scheme, settling their claims and enjoying the waiver on the late payment surcharge. This has significantly reduced the outstanding arrears and helped many households clear their pending electricity bills.

Chief Engineer’s Appeal

Chief Engineer Er. Aaquib Waheed Deva further appealed to all consumers to utilize the remaining time and settle their dues under the scheme to avoid any complications in the future. “This is a golden opportunity for consumers to clear their debts without the added burden of surcharges. We urge everyone to come forward and take advantage of this scheme before the deadline of March 31, 2025,” he added.

Impact of the Amnesty Scheme

The Amnesty Scheme has proven to be an effective mechanism for reducing arrears and encouraging timely payments among consumers, benefiting both the KPDCL and the consumers. By clearing the outstanding dues, consumers can ensure that they do not face any additional financial burden from late payment penalties. For KPDCL, the scheme has resulted in increased revenue collection and better financial stability.

Final Reminder

With the deadline fast approaching, KPDCL is urging all domestic consumers to clear their outstanding dues under the scheme before the end of March 31, 2025, or risk losing the opportunity for a waiver on late payment surcharges.

India and Bhutan reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their “exemplary” bilateral partnership across multiple sectors during a significant two-day visit by Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India. The visit underscored the strong ties between the two nations and their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with King Wangchuck upon his arrival, focusing on advancing cooperation in areas such as clean energy, trade, investment, space technology, and infrastructure development. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening it.

A Commitment to Bhutan’s Socio-Economic Development

During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s unwavering support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development, based on the priorities outlined by the Bhutanese government. The two leaders also touched on India’s continued assistance to Bhutan under the 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29), which includes critical support for the nation’s economic stimulus programme.

“We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’, expressing admiration for King Wangchuck’s vision for Bhutan’s progress and regional development.

The Prime Minister also reassured Bhutan of India’s full backing for the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, a flagship project led by King Wangchuck aimed at boosting Bhutan’s development while strengthening connections with adjoining border regions in India.

Strengthening Strategic Cooperation

The joint statement issued after the talks highlighted the expanding scope of cooperation between India and Bhutan in various fields, including trade, energy, infrastructure, education, health, and digital economy. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the “excellent” state of bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further solidifying these ties.

The King expressed deep appreciation for India’s invaluable support in advancing Bhutan’s development goals, emphasizing that the partnership between the two nations remains strong and vital for both countries and the region.

The Bhutanese delegation, including Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior government officials, also participated in a lunch hosted by Prime Minister Modi in honor of the King and the Queen.

Hydropower Cooperation and Regional Development

The two leaders reviewed ongoing and upcoming projects in the energy sector, particularly the hydropower sector, which is a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. They expressed satisfaction that the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project was nearing completion and looked forward to its commissioning soon.

The leaders also discussed the need for an expedited resolution of the Punatsangchhu-I hydropower project, underlining the importance of advancing cooperation in this critical sector. Additionally, both sides agreed on finalizing plans for new hydropower projects, including reservoir-based projects, to further enhance bilateral energy cooperation.

Focus on Connectivity and Strategic Initiatives

The two leaders also reviewed a series of key projects aimed at improving connectivity between the two countries. This includes the establishment of two cross-border rail links and strengthening digital connectivity, which are expected to facilitate greater trade, people-to-people interaction, and regional integration.

Prime Minister Modi and King Wangchuck agreed on the importance of expanding their cooperation in these sectors to further boost the socio-economic development of both countries and the wider region.

Regional Security Concerns and China’s Engagement with Bhutan

King Wangchuck’s visit comes amid growing Chinese efforts to establish formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan. While Bhutan has long maintained close ties with India, recent developments have raised concerns in New Delhi. Over a year ago, Bhutan’s then Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji held talks with Chinese officials in Beijing regarding Bhutan’s boundary dispute with China.

The talks highlighted Bhutan’s position on the One-China policy and its readiness to engage in dialogue with China for the early resolution of their boundary issue. However, India has closely monitored these developments, as the outcome of Bhutan’s negotiations with China could have significant implications for India’s strategic interests, particularly in the sensitive Doklam region.

In this context, both India and Bhutan reiterated the importance of maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship, both bilaterally and regionally, in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Conclusion:

Prime Minister Modi and King Wangchuck’s discussions underscore the deep and enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, which has been characterized by close cooperation in diverse fields. Both leaders have reiterated their shared vision of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through continued collaboration in sectors such as energy, trade, connectivity, and socio-economic development.

As India and Bhutan continue to build on this strong partnership, the visit is expected to yield positive outcomes for both nations, with a focus on regional development, energy cooperation, and strategic alignment in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

Raising Slogans, Wearing Stickers, and Demanding Probe into Adani’s Indictment

New Delhi, December 5, 2024 – In a dramatic and unusual protest outside Parliament, leaders of several opposition parties in the INDIA bloc, including Congress, RJD, and Left parties, wore black jackets emblazoned with provocative stickers reading “Modi Adani Ek Hai” (Modi and Adani are One) and “Adani Safe Hai” (Adani is Safe). They raised slogans and demanded a joint parliamentary probe into the ongoing Adani controversy following the industrialist’s indictment in a US court on charges of bribery and fraud.

Protest in the Heart of Power

The protest, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and supported by prominent lawmakers like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, took place at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, rather than the steps leading directly to the Parliament building, after a warning from the Lok Sabha Secretariat about obstructing the movement of MPs and affecting safety protocols.

Rahul Gandhi: “Modi Can’t Escape Responsibility”

Speaking to reporters during the protest, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot initiate an investigation into the Adani Group because it would directly implicate him. Modi and Adani are two sides of the same coin, and this connection cannot be ignored. The Prime Minister must come to the House and speak on the issue, and the people of India deserve to know the truth.”

Gandhi’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also joined the protest, demanding that Parliament discuss the serious charges against Adani, including his recent indictment in the US courts. The Congress party has made it clear that it will not rest until a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the matter is initiated.

The Adani Indictment: A Game-Changer

The allegations against Gautam Adani have created a storm, especially after a US court’s indictment of the Adani Group’s senior executives for bribery and fraud. While opposition parties argue that the charges validate their calls for a thorough investigation, the Adani Group has steadfastly dismissed the claims as “baseless.”

The Congress party has stepped up its demand for the establishment of a JPC, arguing that the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue only deepens suspicions about his involvement in protecting Adani.

Cross-Party Unity and TMC’s Absence

The protest saw leaders from several opposition parties coming together to demand accountability. However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, chose to stay away from the demonstration. The absence of the TMC raised questions about the depth of opposition unity on this issue.

Lok Sabha Secretariat’s Advisory

In a response to the ongoing protests, the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued an advisory reminding MPs not to obstruct movement around the Parliament gates. This move came after several opposition leaders staged protests in front of Makar Dwar on Tuesday and Wednesday, despite security concerns flagged by Speaker Om Birla.

The Call for Justice

As the protest gained momentum, leaders like Rahul Gandhi repeated their demand for the immediate arrest of Adani, urging that his alleged crimes should not be swept under the rug. Priyanka Gandhi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the issue had gone beyond political rivalry and was a matter of national importance.

Adani Group’s Response

The Adani Group has responded to the allegations, labeling them as “baseless” and stating that they are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. However, their rebuttal has not quelled the opposition’s demands for a full-scale investigation.

What’s Next?

The ongoing tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties is expected to escalate, with more protests and debates planned in Parliament. Whether a joint parliamentary committee will be formed to investigate the allegations against Adani remains to be seen. For now, the opposition has made it clear: the matter is far from over.