J&K's Smart Meter Drive; Progress or Paperwork? скачать в хорошем качестве

J&K's Smart Meter Drive; Progress or Paperwork?

Government of Jammu and Kashmir is expected to have accurate, real-time data on the number of smart meters installed across Jammu and Kashmir. This responsibility ultimately rests with Power Minister who, at present, is Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. However, serious questions arise regarding the consistency and credibility of the figures being presented by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL). The discrepancies between data shared in legislative replies and figures furnished to the Union Government warrant closer scrutiny. According to the Union Ministry of Power, a total of 576,446 smart meters had been installed in Jammu and Kashmir up to January 2026. If this figure is inaccurate, it would imply that JKPDCL has either failed to communicate updated data to the Centre or has not maintained transparent reporting standards. Such lapses would mirror long-standing administrative weaknesses seen in other departments where funds are drawn and spent but Utilization Certificates are delayed or not submitted for years and critical data is not communicated in a timely manner. Meanwhile, in response to a question raised by PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, the Jammu and Kashmir Government stated that 627,492 smart meters had been installed in Jammu region and 6,09,015 smart meters had been installed in the Valley, bringing the total to 123,657 smart meters across the Union Territory (as stated in that reply). However, in response to a Cut Motion by Chief of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference yet another set of figures was provided. It was stated that from October 2024 onward 321,951 smart meters were installed in the Valley and 311014 smart meters were installed in Jammu, bringing the total to 632,965 smart meters installed since October 2024. These numbers are not merely inconsistent. They are structurally contradictory. If 632,965 smart meters have been installed since October 2024 alone, how can the total installed number be 12,36,507? And if the Union Ministry of Power records 576,446 installations up to January 2026, which of these figures reflects the ground reality? And the Central Government has sanctioned 1,474,745 smart meters for Jammu and Kashmir. If over 12.36 lakh meters have indeed been installed, that would represent significant progress toward reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and electricity theft. However, the financial narrative complicates the picture further. In 2024–25, the government reportedly collected approximately Rs. 750 crore from unmetered domestic consumers. In 2025–26, that figure stands at around Rs. 632 crore. At the same time, metered consumers particularly those with smart meters are contributing substantially higher revenues. This creates an imbalance: consumers who have complied with the transition to smart metering, often paying significantly higher bills, continue to face prolonged power cuts sometimes four to six hours daily. Meanwhile, inefficiencies in recovering dues from government departments such as PHE, Revenue, and Relief & Rehabilitation remain unaddressed. The central issue appears to be systemic revenue recovery failure. When departments do not clear their electricity dues and enforcement mechanisms remain weak, the burden effectively shifts to compliant domestic consumers. Instead of addressing institutional non-payment and improving billing discipline within government entities, the response often manifests in load-shedding and public messaging that attributes shortages to broader constraints. This raises legitimate governance concerns. The perception among consumers is increasingly troubling. Smart meter installation was projected as a pathway to reliable, 24/7 electricity supply. Consumers accepted higher tariffs under that assurance. Yet, even smart-metered households are subjected to extended power cuts. If supply reliability remains unaffected by compliance, incentive structure of the entire reform weakens. Deeper issue is not merely numerical discrepancy. It is institutional credibility. When different replies present three divergent installation figures approximately 5.76 lakh, 6.32 lakh, and Rs.12.36 lakh; the public is left uncertain about the actual status of the reform. For latest Jammu Kashmir news, subscribe to our Youtube channel:    / thestraightline   You can also follow The Straight Line here: Facebook: https://fb.com/tslmediajk Twitter:   / tslmediajk   Instagram:   / tslnewsnetwork   Join this channel to get access to exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes footage and much more:    / @thestraightline