The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called for a bandh in Karnataka on June 22 to protest against the abnormal hike in electricity charges. The industry body has requested all trade and industry establishments to remain closed on the day to draw the government’s attention to their plight. KCCI has been at loggerheads with the government for the past eight days over the revision of electricity tariffs but to no avail. The trade body has appealed to other industry associations to join their agitation against the government’s decision. However, schools, colleges, transportation and other essential services will remain open.
The Karnataka government recently rolled out the ‘Gruha Jyoti’ scheme, as promised in its poll manifesto, offering up to 200 units of power to every household in the state. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive a “zero bill” for their electricity usage in July, provided it remains within their entitlement. However, days after announcing the scheme, the power tariff was increased by Rs 2.89 per unit. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) cited fuel and power purchase cost adjustment (FPPCA) and arrears from April as the reasons for the hike.
Sandeep Bidasaria, the acting president of KCCI, clarified that the industries were not going against the government but lodging their protest with the hope that their voices are heard. He requested the government to listen to their grievances and find a remedy. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) extended its support to the Karnataka bandh. Commercial activities are expected to function like normal as the majority of the business establishments are not affected.
