96% of northeast migrants feel safe in Bengaluru: Study
Half of respondents say northeastern members are more united in B'luru than in their native place
Bengaluru: Amid ongoing allegations of discrimination against outsiders in Bengaluru based on language, a recent research by the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) has found that 96% of migrant workers from northeastern states feel safe in the city, describing it as a migrant-friendly place.
The research, as cited by Deccan Herald on Wednesday, aimed to document the experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of northeastern migrants living in Bengaluru. The study, titled "Gender and Identity: With Reference to the North-Eastern Migrants in Bengaluru," was authored by Dr Channamma Kambara and Dr Malini L. Tantri of ISEC. It surveyed 796 migrants from various northeastern states.
The migrants highlighted Bengaluru's job opportunities, good climate, and friendly, accommodative environment. They said the capital city offers safety and acceptance, with relatively low levels of discrimination and racism. Many expressed satisfaction with work culture, access to services, and food options.
Interestingly, the research found that 52% of respondents felt that there is greater unity among northeastern members in Bengaluru compared to their native states.
The study also revealed that a significant number of migrants, particularly women, showed a preference for settling down in Bengaluru.
However, about 28% of respondents reported facing subtle discrimination at the workplace, primarily linked to language barriers, pay disparity, gender bias, and religion.
"Nonetheless, the migrants also attend various cultural, social and festive events where they are not discriminated except that the migrants cannot follow the language and culture," the research noted.
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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.
