Former Minister and senior Congress leader Taj Mohiuddin Tuesday said that National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is not inclined to return power projects to the state as the Corporation earns 50 percent of its profits from Jammu and Kashmir. He advised State Government to move to High Court as according to him the case of Jammu and Kashmir Government is very strong and only court intervention will force NHPC to handover two power projects Uri 1 and Salal to the State Government.“State Government has money and it was agreed upon that once State Government will pay Rs 2,000 crores to NHPC, the later will hand over the power projects to the State. I had created a separate account where all the money that the state earned as water usage is credited. Despite having money, the NHPC is in no mood to hand over the power projects and it should be a concern for the State Government. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti must take Law Department on board and approach to State High Court. Even the Supreme Court of India will give Judgment in favour of the Jammu and Kashmir Government,” Taj told news agency CNS.
He said the cabinet Sub-Committee constituted by the Omar Abdullah led government had recommended transfer of Salal and Uri power projects to Jammu and Kashmir. “JKSPDC had been authorized to work out the cost of project on the basis of internationally accepted norms prevailing in the industry which can form the basis for further negotiation with centre. It is irony that the incumbent government has not been following the case vigorously,” Taj said.He said that at a time when Kashmir Valley is reeling under darkness, State Government is not showing any keenness given the fact that returning of power projects is one of the important points mentioned in the Agenda of Alliance. “It should be the priority of the government as Cabinet has also approved the Sub-Committee report to suggest ways on initiating the process for return of these power projects,” he said.Responding to a question, Taj Mohiuddin said that New Delhi is backing NHPC and neither the Union Power Ministry nor the NHPC are interested and serious in returning the power projects to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. “Mehbooba led government has only one option and she should approach the Court. Only Court can help the State,” he said. (CNS)