Army denies delay in power dues in Kashmir, terms it ‘unfounded allegations’

Srinagar: Indian Army has denied any delay in paying electric power bills and has termed the allegations as “unfounded.” An Army release states “True to its tradition of ensuring full probity in its affairs, Chinar Corps investigated the allegations. The results of the investigation proves hollow the deliberate efforts of inimical elements to malign the Army.”

The release goes on to state “During the last five financial years the Army has paid all its dues to PDD on account of electricity bills raised by them i.e Rs 18.13 crores in 2007-08, Rs 21.99 crores in 2008-09, Rs 22.23 crores in 2009-10, Rs 23.31 crores in 2010-11 and Rs 16.14 crores in 2011-12 (till Dec 11). Infact the Army has always ensured that its troops judiciously use the scarce resource and advisories on the subject of saving power are issued regularly.”

Explaining the payment procedure, the statement said that the delays, if there is due to the audits. “Generally it takes 30-45 days for the audit authorities to clear the bills prior to payment to the State Electricity Department. As on date, recently received bills worth Rs 2.03 crores are under audit check and will be paid immediately on clearance. A minor amount of Rs 7.49 lakh pertaining to bills raised between Sep and Nov is pending, again due to certain discrepancies pointed out by audit authorities, which are being looked into and will be cleared shortly. At times delays in payment of certain bills have occurred which are again due to audit observations. However, the endeavour of the Army is to clear the tariffs at the earliest. It is pertinent to mention that the Army in the entire State of J&K has been paying regularly for electricity to the State Government, with payments of Rs 92.86 crores in last financial year and Rs 60.09 crores in current financial year. These official figures will dispel all doubts on this propaganda by the vested interests to malign Army’s people friendly image in the Valley and in the State of J&K,” said the statement.