Priyank Kharge writes to EAM Jaishankar seeking clarification on denial of clearance for US visit
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has written a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seeking clarification on the denial of political clearance for his scheduled official visit to the United States.
Kharge, who was set to visit the US from June 14 to 27, posted on social media platform X that he had written to the Union Minister to question the rejection of clearance. “As someone accountable to the people of Karnataka, I have sought an explanation. This visit was aimed at attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for the state,” he stated.
What was the visit about?
Kharge's official itinerary included attending the BIO International Convention in Boston and participating in a conference in San Francisco. Meetings with major companies, universities, and institutions were also planned, with a focus on investment, job creation, and signing key agreements.
In his letter, Kharge emphasized that Karnataka is not just India’s tech capital but also a driving force for growth in the Asia-Pacific region. “Our state is a global leader in startups and innovation. It is therefore unjustified to deny political clearance to its IT-BT minister without citing any reason,” he wrote.
He warned that such arbitrary denial could hamper future planning and engagements vital for Karnataka's development.
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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.
