PDD amnesty camp sees huge response from Gund consumers

Umar Raina
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04 Mar 2026

Ganderbal, Mar 4: An amnesty scheme camp for consumers of the Power Development Department (PDD) was organised on Tuesday at Gund in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, witnessing enthusiastic participation from locals seeking relief under the government’s ongoing amnesty scheme. The camp aimed to provide on-the-spot redressal of pending electricity bills, enabling consumers to settle long-standing dues with relaxation in interest and penalties. Officials from the PDD division, including the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), Junior Engineer (JE), and other staff members, were present at the venue to facilitate consumers and address their grievances. A department official said the initiative was part of a broader outreach programme to ensure maximum awareness and coverage under the scheme. “The objective of this camp is to provide relief to genuine consumers who have accumulated arrears over the years. Under the amnesty scheme, surcharges and penalties are being waived, making it easier for people to clear their dues,” the official said. He added that similar camps are being organised across various subdivisions to ensure that consumers from far-flung areas do not face inconvenience. “We are trying to take the department to the doorsteps of the people. Gund being a key area, we decided to organise this camp here so that consumers can resolve their issues without travelling long distances,” he said. The Assistant Executive Engineer present at the camp described the public response as encouraging. “Since morning, a large number of consumers have visited the camp. Many have already cleared their pending bills under the amnesty scheme. We are also guiding people about instalment options and the revised billing mechanism,” he said. Locals appreciated the initiative and termed it a timely step. A resident said the camp provided much-needed relief to consumers facing financial constraints. “I had pending dues for several months due to financial difficulties. With the waiver of penalties, I was able to settle my bill today. Such camps should be held more frequently,” he said. Another resident said many people were previously unaware of the scheme’s details. “Through this camp, we not only cleared our dues but also understood how the scheme works. The officials cooperated well and addressed our concerns patiently,” he said. A senior PDD official said cases of incorrect billing or technical errors would be examined separately. “Our aim is not just revenue collection but ensuring fair and transparent service delivery,” the official said. The department urged consumers to take full advantage of the amnesty scheme within the stipulated timeframe. “We appeal to all consumers with pending arrears to come forward and settle their dues. This is a one-time opportunity to regularise connections and avoid future legal action or disconnection,” the official added.