Target: Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor
Goal: Ease financial pressure on the citizens of Srinagar.
Srinagar has been rocked by continued protests in recent weeks over a systematic escalation of financial burden. The latest demonstrations center on a new property tax, apparently targeting residents in predominantly impoverished neighborhoods. Recently, women gathered in the Ganpatyar area, demonstrating against a series of measures allegedly enforced with an authoritarian outlook. The tax, set to levy on municipal areas, intends to collect 5% of the Taxable Annual Value (TAV) for residential units and 6% TAV for commercial properties. Yet another protest march was organized by the People’s Democratic Party, led by chief spokesperson Suhail Bukhari. The rally, which commenced from the party headquarters near Sher-e-Kashmir Park, was intercepted by the police before it reached Lal Chowk city center. Bukhari alleged that the government is intent on financially burdening the people of the Union Territory by the imposition of the new tax. Participants at the women’s march pointed out the orchestrated increment of financial pressure, including the installation of new electrical smart meters, general inflation, and curtailment of ration.
The general public anticipates that the new electrical smart meters would generate bills much more than they can afford. A woman, who took part in the demonstration, stated that her family has to sustain on a meager income of INR 200 a day. An electricity bill in the range of INR 3000-4000 per month is totally unacceptable. An official from the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) stated that people have the wrong information, without clarifying further details on the billing process.
Another recent protest was organized by job aspirants in the valley against the official appointment of blacklisted firm Aptech to conduct the recruitment process in the J&K Services Selection Board. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha relented to the demands and has deferred the examinations until further notice.
The pattern of recent moves apparently indicates a deliberate attempt by the administration to implement financial pressure on the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Sign this petition to demand the authorities roll back the property tax and stop the installation of smart meters in Srinagar.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Lieutenant Governor Sinha,
Srinagar is witnessing a wave of protests in recent weeks indicating serious lapses in the administrative process. The demonstrations center on a series of latest measures allegedly targeting the general public with a system of financial hardships.
People are protesting against the installation of smart meters and the imminent levy of a major property tax in municipal areas. The KPDCL has not divulged the details of the amount that will be billed via the new meters. Citizens of the UT also anticipate a hard-hitting impact from the imminent property tax.
We demand the government rolls back the property tax and stops the installation of smart meters.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Shubham Semwal
645 Signatures