Saroori Takes Up Power, Smart Meter and Employment Issues During Kuchhal Visit
13/09/2026
Kishtwar,September 12 (KIP)- Senior Congress leader and former minister G. M. Saroori today undertook an extensive visit to Kuchhal in Tehsil Mughalmaidan, where he met local residents and interacted with several delegations representing different sections of the area. During the visit, Saroori heard the grievances of the people and discussed a range of issues affecting their daily lives, particularly electricity supply, smart meters, power bills, employment and development.
Addressing the gathering, Saroori said that people were now being compelled to assess the difference between the promises made to them during the last elections and the situation prevailing on the ground. He said the National Conference had promised 200 units of free electricity, but instead of receiving the relief that was promised, people were increasingly concerned about electricity bills and the installation of smart meters.
Saroori said that the issues of smart meters and electricity bills had figured prominently during the election campaign, when people were given assurances that they would not have to face financial hardship on account of power bills. Referring to the commitments made by the elected MLA of Inderwal, he said that the people had been assured that their electricity-related concerns would be addressed. However, nearly two and a half years into the present government, he said, people were still waiting for these assurances to be fulfilled.
He said the large-scale installation of smart meters had further added to the apprehensions of ordinary consumers, many of whom were already struggling with rising household expenses. The government, he said, must come forward and clearly explain what had happened to the promises made regarding free electricity and smart meters and provide people with a transparent account of the policy being followed. Turning to the issue of unemployment, Saroori said that the youth of the area were particularly disappointed by the lack of meaningful employment opportunities. He stressed that the aspirations of young people could not be ignored and questioned why adequate opportunities were not being made available to local youth. Development, he said, should not merely be measured through infrastructure or official announcements but must also result in employment, livelihood opportunities and greater economic security for local families.
Saroori said that young people in the region possess the talent, skills and determination to contribute to the development of their communities, but they need genuine opportunities and a supportive environment. He called for greater focus on employment generation, skill development and opportunities that could enable local youth to build a secure future without being forced to leave their homes in search of work. Appealing to the people to strengthen the Congress party, Saroori urged them to participate actively in the forthcoming elections and support Congress. He said the party would continue to stand with the people, raise their genuine concerns at every appropriate forum and work towards creating better employment opportunities for local youth while addressing issues affecting ordinary households.
Saroori also urged the people to carefully evaluate the promises made to them during elections against the actual work delivered on the ground before making their choice in the forthcoming elections. He said that democracy gives people the opportunity to hold elected representatives accountable and expressed confidence that the people would make their decision after assessing both commitments and performance. He assured the gathering that Congress would continue to remain connected with the people at the grassroots level and would raise their concerns with determination.