Jammu Kashmir Govt Starts Identifying AAY Beneficiaries for 200 Units Free Power | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has initiated the identification of eligible beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category to provide 200 units of free electricity per month, aiming to extend targeted relief to economically weaker sections across all districts.

The progress of the initiative was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, which also focused on accelerating power sector reforms with an emphasis on social welfare, sustainability, and efficiency.

Officials informed that over 2.22 lakh AAY households are expected to benefit from the scheme, with the identification process underway in coordination with district administrations, including in remote and far-flung areas.

Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar said that extensive field verification and data validation exercises are being carried out to ensure only genuine beneficiaries are covered. He noted challenges such as mismatches between ration card and electricity databases, migration cases, locked households, and reluctance among some beneficiaries.

The government is placing special focus on including households in remote and mountainous regions, where logistical constraints and scattered habitations pose difficulties.

The meeting also reviewed progress under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which is promoting rooftop solar adoption through consumer-friendly financing options, including bank loans at concessional rates.

Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Gurpal Singh, said over 28,600 applications have been received in Jammu division, with more than 11,000 installations completed, reflecting significant progress. Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, reported over 73,000 applications in Kashmir division, with more than 17,700 installations completed and several districts surpassing targets.

The scheme is largely being implemented under the RESCO model, enabling installation and maintenance by private developers without upfront costs to consumers.

In addition, progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) was reviewed. Works worth Rs 5,762 crore are being executed across the Union Territory, including Rs 1,053 crore for smart metering and Rs 4,709 crore for loss reduction measures.

Over 7.10 lakh smart meters have been installed so far, including nearly 3 lakh in the past six months. Officials reported improvements in operational efficiency, with the ACS-ARR gap reduced to 0.3 for FY 2025-26, billing efficiency rising to 77 percent, collection efficiency to 94 percent, and ATC losses brought down to 30 percent.

The Chief Secretary said the combined approach of providing free electricity to vulnerable households while strengthening infrastructure and promoting clean energy adoption is expected to improve power reliability, reduce losses, and ensure sustainable and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir.