A Press Conference by BCCI Presidnetial Body.
Belgaum Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, and Citizens Demand Immediate Action on Burdensome Power Tariff Hike and Extraordinary Charges
Today, various associations and residents of Belagavi district gathered at Kannada Sahitya Bhavan, Rani Channamma Circle, Belagavi, to voice their strong opposition against the recent increase in power tariffs and unfair extraordinary charges imposed by Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) across Karnataka. The sudden burden on businesses and the general public has prompted a united representation from all affected parties to demand immediate action from the state government.
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Industries, trade establishments, and households alike in Karnataka state have been severely impacted by escalating energy costs and the overwhelming Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA) levies. Consequently, the Belgaum Chambers of Commerce, in collaboration with various associations, has decided to organize a press conference to protest against these unjust charges and outline their planned actions to address this critical issue.
During the press conference, the following measures were announced by all associations of Belagavi including Belgaum Chambers of Commerce:
1) Silent Protest and Memorandum Submission: On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10:15 am, all associations of Belagavi District and HESCOM consumers will participate in a silent protest. They will gather at Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle and march towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office, HESCOM Belagavi, and the respective Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) representing their constituencies. A memorandum will be submitted to highlight the concerns and demands of the affected parties.
2) Week-long Waiting Period: A grace period of one week will be given for the officials to take necessary action and withdraw the tariff hike. The associations and residents hope that the government will address the issue promptly and alleviate the financial burden faced by businesses and the public.
3) Strong Protest Measures: If the officials fail to take action within the stipulated week, the associations and residents have resolved to escalate their protests. This may include a widespread bandh (shutdown) of all industries and businesses across Karnataka, thereby exerting additional pressure on the government to address the matter urgently.
4) Legal Action: In the event of continued inaction, the associations and residents express their intention to explore legal recourse and approach the courts to seek justice on behalf of the affected parties. Legal action will be pursued to ensure fairness and protect the rights of businesses and the public.
In a separate incident, residents of Desur village were left shocked when they received their electricity bills after the implementation of the new government’s scheme of 200 accessible units of electricity. Comparing the latest bill to the previous month’s, consumers discovered an additional charge of nearly 1000 rupees. This discrepancy has raised concerns among middle-income individuals and families who were expecting relief from the new scheme but instead face increased slab costs and fuel surcharges.
The state government’s decision to introduce 200 free units of electricity was initially welcomed as a step towards easing the financial burden on the common middlemen. However, the simultaneous increase in slab costs and fuel surcharge on bills has contradicted the intended purpose of the scheme, resulting in unexpected financial strain for residents.
The affected residents are hopeful that the ongoing protests and collective action by the Belgaum Chambers of Commerce, along with other associations, will bring about the necessary changes. They urge the government to reconsider the burden imposed on businesses and the general public and rectify the situation promptly, ensuring that the benefits of the 200 free units scheme are truly realized.
As the Belagavi district unites to protest these unfair charges and demand justice, the ball is now in the government’s court to address the concerns and alleviate the burden faced by businesses, trade
establishments, and households across Karnataka.
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This article is written by a Team Member of Belagavi News and Inputs BCCI Press Release. If using our article, please ensure due credit is given to the Author.
