Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission approves reduction in tariff to consumers
Bengaluru, Feb 28: The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Wednesday said it has approved "significant reduction" in tariff to commercial, industrial and domestic consumers, consuming above 100 units per month, effective from April one.
For LT (low tension) domestic lighting, energy charges have been reduced by 110 paise per unit and by 50 paise per unit for LT commercial installations, KERC said in a release
It said, the HT (High Tension) commercial energy charges have been reduced by 125 paise per unit, and demand charges by Rs 10 per KVA ( kilovolt-amps).
Further noting that HT industrial energy charges have been reduced by 50 paise per unit and demand charges reduced by Rs 10 per KVA, KERC said, for HT hospitals and educational institutions, energy charges have been reduced by 40 paise per unit, and demand charges by Rs 10 per KVA.
HT residential apartments demand charges have been reduced by Rs 10 per KVA, it said, adding that for LT Pvt. hospitals and educational Institutions, energy charges have been reduced by 50 paise per unit, and for LT industrial installations by 100 paise per unit.
"After scrutiny of ESCOM’s applications, the Commission has approved total Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) of Rs 64944.54 crore as against Rs 69474.75 crore sought by the ESCOMs (electricity supply companies) in their Tariff Applications," KERC said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Physiotherapy course now gaining wide recognition: Speaker U.T. Khader at Physiocon-25
Dr. Ronald Colaco conferred with lifetime achievement award at the event
Bengaluru: Speaker of the Legislative Assembly U.T. Khader said here on Friday that three decades ago, the country did not know about physiotherapy courses. It was started for the first time in Karnataka, and now it is gaining wide recognition.
He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Karnataka Physiocon-25 at the Palace Grounds.
Khader said that the physiotherapy course is a degree program that offers valuable service to society, and Physiocon-25 is the first international physiotherapy conference in the state that provides information pertaining to the course. He noted with appreciation that over 7,000 students, professionals, and dignitaries from across India and abroad took part in the event, which he described as truly commendable.
“International conferences provide a platform for professionals to come together, fostering the exchange of knowledge and the development of professional networks. The Physiocon-25, organized in this context, is highly significant as it will also help parents and students better understand the opportunities in physiotherapy education.,” he added.
Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil revealed that admission to physiotherapy courses will now come under the purview of NEET. He said, “This will complement the national move towards standardized medical education. The course duration has been extended to five years for competency-based learning and additional clinical accreditation.”
During the event, Dr. Ronald Colaco, a well-known NRI businessman and philanthropist, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. UT Ifthikar Ali, chairman of the conference's reception committee, stated that Dr. Colaco was being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extensive social service activities across the state over the past three to four decades, his numerous contributions to interfaith initiatives and religious organizations, and his collaboration with various government departments.
Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr. Bhagavan BC , President of Indian Association of Physiotherapists Dr. Sanjiv K. Jha, Renowned physiotherapist and Member of Physiotherapy Professional Council, National Commission for Allied & Health Care Professions Dr. Ali Irani, conference reception committee Chairman, Karnataka Allied Health Sciences Committee Chairman Dr. UT Ifthikar Ali, Chairperson National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Yagna Shukla and others were present during the ceremony.
About Dr. Ronald Colaco:
Born in Moodbidri near Mangaluru, Dr. Colaco began his professional journey in 1975 in Oman. Over the years, he worked across eight Arab and European countries, eventually rising to the position of commercial CEO for a consortium of three multinational companies: CCICL based in Athens, Greece; Mannesmann of Germany; and Saipem of Milano, Italy. His career has been marked by significant contributions to various turnkey projects, including the construction of world-class petro-refineries, gas processing plants, townships, and airports.
Dr. Colaco's entrepreneurial journey is a result of his hard work, dedication, and disciplined approach. He has successfully leveraged his extensive experience in diverse capacities to establish a series of thriving business ventures. However, his success in the business world is matched by his commitment to socio-cultural, charitable, and philanthropic activities, aimed at giving back to society. His initiatives have benefited countless individuals and organizations, regardless of their caste, creed, race, religion, or language.
Dr. Colaco has been a pioneer in providing essential infrastructure for the public good, setting a precedent that many multinational corporations have followed in their corporate social responsibility efforts. His acts of charity have included the donation of modern police stations, the construction of Hindu temples and churches, and financial support to historic temples and churches. He has also built a Taluk Office, an Advocate Bhavan, and a modern double road for the government. His contributions extend to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, housing for the underprivileged, and various public amenities.
His philanthropy has been recognized with numerous national and international awards. Among these is the prestigious '2015 International Recognition Award for Leadership in Service Excellence' conferred by the Prime Minister of Australia, awarded during the Australian Service Excellence award ceremony in Melbourne. Dr. Colaco was the only international recipient chosen from among 80 countries. In 2022, he was inducted into the World Book of Records, London, for his social and charitable contributions, particularly for providing infrastructure support to the Karnataka state government. This honor was presented to him at the House of Commons during the Indo-UK Leadership Summit.
Dr. Colaco's charitable activities span Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and several overseas countries. His contributions include building and donating an international standard government high school, supporting over 70 schools, and providing substantial assistance to various healthcare clinics and hospitals. He has also donated houses for the less fortunate, supported arts and culture, and contributed to the development of rural infrastructure, among many other initiatives.
Throughout his career, Dr. Colaco has received numerous accolades and honors. In 2020, he was conferred with a Professional Doctorate in Global Leadership and Management in Philanthropy by the European International University of Paris. He has been recognized by the Institute Directors House of Lords of the British Parliament with a Distinguished Fellowship Award, and has received historic honors from the Premier of Ontario-Canada, the Australian Prime Minister, and invitations for breakfast meetings with US President Donald Trump.
Dr. Colaco's awards also include the "Global NRI of the Year Award 2017 in Philanthropy" by Times Now Group in association with ICICI Bank, the Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award in the Overseas Kannadiga Category, and several titles from the Konkani community such as "Vishwa Konkani Samaj Ratna" and "Pearl of Konkani Community." He has been honored by various religious and cultural organizations, including the Rachana Best NRI Entrepreneur of the Year and the Vishwa Bhushan title.
Dr. Colaco was conferred with an honorary doctorate by Mangalore University at its 42nd annual convocation on June 15, 2024.
His philanthropy is supported by his wife, Jean Colaco, who has been fully involved in his charitable endeavors. Together, they have made a significant impact on countless lives, embodying the values of compassion and commitment to the common good. Dr. Ronald Colaco's story is one of remarkable professional success and dedication to humanitarian causes, making him a true role model and an inspiration to many.
