B’luru gave identity to millions, not for constant criticism: DCM responds to Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Bengaluru: Expressing strong displeasure over the poor condition of roads and garbage issues in Bengaluru, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw had questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge on X, seeking accountability for the city’s civic state.
In her post, Shaw mentioned that a Chinese investor who recently visited Biocon’s Bengaluru unit had asked her why the city has so many potholes and why garbage is seen everywhere. “He said India is a promising destination for investments but wondered why the country is not taking full advantage of this opportunity,” Shaw wrote.
Reacting to this, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said, “Bengaluru has given identity, success, and opportunities to lakhs of people. It is not fair to constantly criticize the city.”
Acknowledging the existing civic issues, Shivakumar added, “Yes, Bengaluru faces challenges, and we are addressing them on priority. The pothole and garbage issues will soon be resolved. The BBMP East Zone alone has Rs 1,673 crore available, and the fund will be used to comprehensively develop the IT-BT corridors.”
Appealing for cooperation, he said, “Instead of criticizing Bengaluru, let’s all work together. The world looks at India through Bengaluru.”
In response, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw posted again on X, saying, “I agree with your statement. We must all make a collective effort guided by two principles, quality and speed.”
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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.
