Despite govt order, internet services yet to resume in Jammu region
Jammu, Jan 15: Mobile internet and broadband services were yet to begin functioning here on Wednesday morning, a day after the administration issued an order allowing their resumption in parts of Jammu region especially in institutions providing essential services such as hospitals and banks.
Reports from Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts maintain that mobile internet services are yet to start as people are unable to see the 'data markers' on their mobile phones.
However, the divisional administration said it has activated the internet services but will start them slowly.
"It is activated. It will slowly start. The process is on," Divisional Commissioner, Jammu region, Sanjeev Verma told PTI.
After more than five months of internet shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir, the UT administration Tuesday evening restored mobile internet in parts of Jammu region and broadband in institutions such as banks, hotels, travel establishments and hospitals with effect from January 15.
The home department said in a three-page order that 2G mobile connectivity on post-paid mobile phones for accessing white-listed websites including e-banking facilities will be restored in five districts including Jammu, Sambua, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi in Jammu region.
"The 2G mobile internet service is yet to start. My mobile is not showing the data marker. It is not accessible as yet," Jammu university student Jugal Sharma said.
An IT business man, Arvind Koul, said, "We are unable to get the access and it is not working as yet." He maintained that the decision to resume internet is good for all as it is being done in a controlled manner without enabling social media to function.
Kuldeep Sharma, a journalist in Kathua district, said the internet service has not started as yet and he is expecting it to start late Wednesday afternoon.
Internet service providers will offer broadband facility (with Mac binding) to all institutions dealing with essential services, such as hospitals, banks and also government offices.
Mac Binding means to enforce a client machine to work from a particular Internet Protocol address.
In order to facilitate tourism, broadband internet would be provided to hotels and tour and travel establishments.
The order also said 2G mobile connectivity on post-paid mobiles for accessing white-listed websites including e-banking will be allowed in districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi -- all in the Jammu region.
The order comes days after the Supreme Court had made harsh observations on the JK administration for snapping internet services, access to which the apex court said was a fundamental right of the people.
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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.
