Outrage among Bhatkal residents against HESCOM over hefty Electricity billing during lockdown
Bhatkal: Residents in Bhatkal are left shocked and outraged after their electricity bills have reportedly inflated significantly during the Coronavirus lockdown. Supported by an independent study, a local organization 'Speech Foundation’ in Bhatkal recently evening organized a virtual press conference to detail their claims.
The organization claimed that it had independently studied the electricity bill cycles of 31 houses of various localities in Bhatkal and had come across major inflation in bills during the lockdown period. It added, in some cases the inflation as high as 177%.
Of the 31 one cases studied by the organization, at least 8 cases had unprecedented inflation of over 100% while one case clocked inflation of 99%.
The members of the organization, part of the independent study asserted that it was evident the HESCOM had charged exorbitantly to the consumers post lockdown as cumulative bills for 3 month period are excessively high.
The inputs of the study shared showed that the study was based on the bills of the previous eight months. It also added that the HESCOM had possibly failed to apply monthly consumption slab formulas which have resulted in the inflated bills that have caused inconveniences to the people in town.
It noted “It’s been observed HESCOM failed to apply monthly consumption slab formulas. It's assumed they applied the highest tariffs per unit charges by issuing a three-month bill” adding that it was not ruling out the possibility of a scam on the part of HESCOM who might just take advantage of COVID-19 crisis to loot people.
On being asked, what the organization believed was the solution, Abu Hajar, who had extensively took part in the campaign and study asserted that the HESCOM on an immediate basis should respond and should come up with a solution on its own or immediately waive off the extensive amounts of the bill. It also added that it was open to negotiating if the power supply company would charge the highest bill of the consumer in one year before the lockdown.
People on the other hand have also alleged irregularities and lack of response from the local authorities with social media claims adding that in some cases the authorities forced consumers to pay the bills as it has been charged or to face disconnection of power supply. This, the claims added had resulted in people paying off the bills fearing disconnection of power supply.
The organization also added that it had officially contacted HESCOM with their findings through email but claimed that they were yet to get a response from the authority.
Interestingly, similar reports have come in from various parts of the country including in a few places in Karnataka wherein people have alleged scam on the part of power supply companies and have sought the attention of the government to the issue.
Vartha Bharati also tried to contact officials of HESCOM but they were unavailable for immediate comment. The story will be updated as and when we get their comment on the issue.
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No contract was signed with Muzarabani for PSL stint, but verbal agreement was reached: PCB
Karachi (PTI): The Pakistan Cricket Board admitted that no contract was ever sent to Blessing Muzarabani to play in the PSL but insisted that a firm verbal agreement was reached with the Zimbabwe pacer and he had breached the trust while joining the Indian Premier League.
The PCB recently imposed a two-year ban on Muzarabani from playing in the PSL claiming he breached a contract with Islamabad United and joined IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders.
The fast bowler’s agent, Rob Humphries tore into the PCB on Sunday in a social media post for the ban and claimed his client neither took part in the PSL players auction nor signed any contract with Islamabad United.
Humphries said the ban was excessive and unjustified.
But sources in the PCB while conceding no contract was signed with Rabbani claimed that a clear verbal agreement between both the parties was reached.
The source said this was also clear in the PCB announcement about the ban that despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to disregard these obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement.
The PCB source said once essential terms — including remuneration and structure — are agreed upon through written correspondence, a binding obligation is formed.
But Humphries said after talks began with Islamabad United they had made it clear that unless they had a contract they couldn’t apply for an NOC from the Zimbabwe Cricket.
“We've remained quiet publicly over the last six weeks because we did not wish to create or cause anymore animosity for the Pakistan Super League/Pakistan Cricket Board than they had already created for themselves,” Humphries’ statement said.
"[On] 13 February, Blessing [was] approached by Islamabad United about a playing opportunity for the 2026 PSL. The deal [was] agreed subject to obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Zimbabwe Cricket.
“An NOC cannot be obtained without a contract from the PSL. Islamabad United/PSL announced the signing to the world via social media,” it said.
Humphries further urged the PCB to gracefully withdraw the ban and accept this situation risen out of an administrative error at their end.
Muzarabani was taken by Islamabad as a replacement for West Indian pacer Shamar Joseph for USD 40,000.
