Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar urges public participation in socio-economic survey
Bengaluru (PTI): Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday called on people to take part in the social and educational survey being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, saying it is vital to ensuring justice for future generations.
Flagging off the survey in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) area, Shivakumar said, “The survey is starting in GBA areas today. The survey was conducted at my residence today, and I have provided all the details. I appeal to all communities to participate in the survey and provide all the details.”
Responding to concerns that the questionnaire contains too many questions, he said, “I also saw the questionnaire. It needs simplification. Patience is low in urban areas.”
On concerns about personal questions in the survey, he clarified, “The court has ruled that these questions are not mandatory, and no one can be forced to respond. Providing a response to some of these questions is optional. I have also told the interviewers to be sensitive to the needs of the interviewed in Bengaluru city, especially.”
Addressing reports of reluctance among people to participate, Shivakumar said, “It is our duty to educate them and we are doing it diligently.”
On complaints regarding server issues for the survey, he said, “The people concerned will fix it. There is a provision to participate in the survey online as well.”
The survey, which will continue until October 7, involves about 1.75 lakh enumerators—mostly government school teachers— covering approximately seven crore people in around two crore households across the state.
Officials said the exercise, estimated to cost Rs 420 crore, will be conducted “scientifically” using a 60‑question format prepared for the process.
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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.
