Patriotic fervour marks I-Day fete in Karnataka
Bengaluru, Aug 15: Patriotic fervour, gaiety and the spirit of freedom marked the 72nd Independence Day celebrations across Karnataka on Wednesday.
In the state capital, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy unfurled the tricolour at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade ground in the city centre under a cloudy sky.
Kumaraswamy joined about 8,000 people, including women and children, when the national anthem was played by a military band at the sprawling venue.
An Army helicopter showered rose petals around the podium where the Chief Minister and many VIPs were seated.
After receiving salute and inspecting the guard of honour, Kumaraswamy went around the rectangular ground in an open jeep and greeted the battalions of armed forces, state reserved police, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts and Guides.
The Chief Minister delivered his speech in Kannada for about 30 minutes.
Forty contingents of state police forces, Home Guards, Fire Force NCC, Scouts and Guides and about 1,200 boys and girls from city schools joined the armed forces in the march parade around the ground, passing before the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.
About 2,500 students re-enacted select historic events of the freedom struggle, including non-violent protests and clashes with colonial police.
Some 100 young artistes staged cultural programmes, including folk dances and songs, depicting the war of independence.
Through song, dance and short plays, the youths relived the life of freedom fighters including Sangolli Rayanna and Kittur Rani Chennamma of Karnataka who fought against the British Army in the 19th century.
Martial arts and daring feats and acrobatics on motorcycles by the military as well as the police teams kept the crowds spellbound.
Later, Kumaraswamy presented gallantry medals and awards to police officers and distributed prizes to the participating organisations.
Governor Vajubhai Vala hoisted the national flag at the Raj Bhavan here.
According to reports from districts, the national flag was hoisted by the cabinet ministers and deputy commissioners.
Events were also held in hundreds of schools and colleges across the state.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
