A crucial resolution seeking the transfer of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)-owned projects in Jammu & Kashmir to the Union Territory Government is set to be taken up in the J&K Assembly on Thursday.
The resolution, submitted by NC MLA Sajad Shaheen has been listed in the business of the House for April 2-one of the two days fixed for Private Member Resolutions. It is among seven resolutions selected through balloting.
The text of the resolution reads: “This House resolves to recommend that the Government of India may be urged to consider, in consultation with the Union Territory Government and other stakeholders, a phased and mutually agreed transfer of operational control and/or ownership rights of the hydroelectric power projects presently operated by NHPC within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to the UT Government, in accordance with constitutional provisions and existing inter-governmental arrangements.”
The mild-worded resolution is expected to be the center of attention during proceedings today.
In the past, J&K’s regional parties made the return of power projects a top priority in their election manifestos but failed to achieve substantial progress. In their Agenda of Alliance, the PDP‑BJP coalition promised that the “State Government will work with the Union Government to explore modalities for transfer of Dulhasti and Uri hydro power projects to J&K as suggested by the Rangarajan Committee Report and the Round Table reports.”
The issue also featured prominently in the manifesto of the National Conference for the 2024 Assembly polls, which stated: “Impress upon the Union of India to implement the recommendations of the C. Rangarajan Committee report in letter and spirit. All other hydro power projects be transferred to Jammu and Kashmir as per agreement.”
