Hassan DC touches Union Minister V. Somanna’s feet, sparks protocol row
Hassan: A controversy has erupted after the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Hassan, K.S. Latha Kumari, was seen touching the feet of Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways, V. Somanna, during his official visit to Kodimath in Arasikere taluk.
The incident occurred just before the minister proceeded to seek blessings at the mutt. The act, captured in public view, has triggered a debate on administrative decorum and the boundaries of official protocol.
Critics argue that the Deputy Commissioner's gesture, made during a government function and not a private event, undermines the dignity and impartiality expected of a senior bureaucrat. Many have called it a breach of the professional code of conduct expected from public servants.
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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.
