The Jammu and Kashmir Government’s possible choice to re-introduce or extend the power amnesty scheme is a welcome one that should be supported.
Given the economic burdens that have been placed on families and small businesses, it’s a good idea to offer a chance to both recover lost revenue and give people a break.
The government finds itself in a delicate position and must be commended for at least acknowledging the issue.
They are absolutely correct to point out that blanket waivers would negatively impact responsible consumers who pay their bills on time and those who take advantage of the system should be punished accordingly.
At the same time, the answer does not lie in refusing to grant any sort of reprieve. The government is right to want to extend the amnesty scheme to those living below the poverty line on a case by case basis.
For many families, the accrued interest and fines on their power bill would be an impossible amount to pay.
Once they are disconnected, it creates an untenable situation for everyone involved.
The amnesty scheme already allows people to pay off their arrears in installments, so adding the option to just pay the principal amount owed on a responsible payment plan would go a long way to helping people get back on their feet without breaking their budgets.
Not only would it help people, though, it would actually recover more of the government’s revenue than allowing people to simply walk away from their debts.
As many locals have pointed out, the real goal should be to help consumers ‘come out of the cycle of accumulated liabilities and become regular in payment’.
The government should definitely think over their decision to review the amnesty scheme. A well planned, focused initiative that helps those who are being hurt the most while still punishing repeat delinquents will help the economy in the long run.
