Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced his intention to convene a meeting with industrialists following the recent uproar over the hike in electricity tariff rates. Responding to the concerns raised by certain industrial bodies, the Chief Minister assured that he would address the issue and provide clarifications.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that the outrage was unnecessary, as electricity bills are set to decrease starting from the upcoming month. In response to the call for a bandh (shutdown) by the Hubballi-based Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on June 22, the Chief Minister stated that representatives of industrial bodies were invited to engage in discussions and have their doubts cleared.
“To convince them, facts and figures have been presented. Our officials have also reached out to them and engaged in conversation,” Siddaramaiah told reporters. He further explained that the appearance of the power bills as exorbitant was due to the fact that people received charges for two months. However, from next month onwards, bills will be issued on a monthly basis, resulting in reduced billing amounts.
In its statement to members, the KCCI highlighted the abnormal price hike in electricity charges and called for the bandh. The organization expressed disappointment that despite their attempts to convey the seriousness of the impact caused by the tariff hike, no solution had been offered by officials or government representatives.
Sandeep Bidasaria, the acting president of KCCI, clarified that their intention was not to oppose the government but to raise their concerns in the hope that their voices would be heard. Bidasaria urged the government to listen to their grievances and work towards finding a solution.
The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), a prominent business body in the state, has not responded to the KCCI’s bandh call.
The hike in power tariff came shortly after the announcement of the ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme, a poll guarantee by the Congress government offering free domestic electricity up to 200 units. The increase of Rs 2.89 per unit was attributed to the fuel and power purchase cost adjustment (FPPCA) and arrears from April, as explained by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC).
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