Smart Meter for Religious Places in Jammu & Kashmir

 

Smart Meter for Religious Places in Jammu & Kashmir

1️⃣ Smart Meter Rollout in J&K

The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is installing smart electricity meters across the Union Territory under:

Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)

Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP)

Objective:

Reduce electricity theft

Improve billing transparency
Enable prepaid and real-time consumption tracking
Strengthen power infrastructure

Smart meters are being installed for residential, commercial, and institutional consumers.

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 Applicability to Religious Places

Religious places such as:

Mosques

Temples
Gurudwaras
Churches
Shrines

👉 Are not treated differently under electricity rules.

They fall under:

• Non-residential / Institutional tariff category (as per electricity regulations)

There is no separate exemption scheme exclusively for religious institutions unless specifically notified by the government.

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 Responsible Power Distribution Companies

In Jammu & Kashmir, electricity distribution is handled by:

Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (Jammu region)

Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (Kashmir region)

These authorities are responsible for:

Smart meter installation

Load sanction
Tariff classification
Billing and maintenance

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 How a Religious Place Can Apply for Smart Meter

If a mosque/temple/shrine committee wants a smart meter:

1. Visit the local JPDCL or KPDCL office.

2. Submit application for:

   • New connection (if not existing), OR

   • Migration from old meter to smart meter.

3. Provide required documents:

   • ID proof of managing committee

   • Address proof

   • Load requirement details

4. Pay prescribed charges (if applicable).

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 Benefits for Religious Institutions

✔ Transparent billing
✔ Real-time electricity usage monitoring
✔ Reduced billing disputes
✔ Option of prepaid recharge system
✔ Better load management during religious events

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📌 Conclusion

Religious places in Jammu & Kashmir are included in the smart meter installation drive just like other institutions. There is no discrimination or special exclusion — they are covered under standard electricity regulations.