Contractor payment issues a legacy of previous BJP government: D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday attributed the ongoing contractor payment delays in Karnataka to financial mismanagement by the previous BJP government.
Speaking during the "Bengaluru Nadige” (Walk for Bengaluru) initiative at Vengayyana Kere Eco Park in K.R. Puram, Shivakumar said that the former BJP administration had sanctioned projects far exceeding the state’s budgetary limits, resulting in the current crisis.
“The contractors’ dues are not my personal responsibility. I have already convened a meeting with their association to discuss the matter. I am not afraid of threats,” Shivakumar said, addressing citizens during an interaction session.
He added that the present Congress government is clearing the pending bills in a phased manner. “We are making payments step by step, and will continue to do so until the issue is resolved. If anyone demands a bribe, the affected parties should file formal complaints with evidence. Talking to the media will not bring a solution,” he cautioned.
During the event, a local resident, Sultan Mirza, complained that a revenue officer in K.R. Puram was demanding a bribe of ₹10,000–₹15,000 for processing official documents. Shivakumar immediately directed officials to take action against Revenue Officer Basavaraj over the allegation.
In another grievance, a resident named Vignesh tearfully told Shivakumar that his neighbor, Mallikarjun, had allegedly blocked his house entrance and was demanding ₹10 lakh to allow access. Responding firmly, Shivakumar said, “It doesn’t matter whether they belong to the Congress, BJP, or any other group — strict action will be taken. File a complaint with the police immediately, and I will ensure action is taken by this evening.”
He further instructed municipal officials to visit the site, investigate the situation, and take legal action if threats or extortion were confirmed.
Shivakumar reiterated that his government would not tolerate corruption or intimidation and would continue to clear contractors’ dues while ensuring accountability among officials.
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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.
