Sanitary pads meant for schoolgirls burnt in Kalaburagi, public anger mounts
Kalaburagi: Sanitary pads meant to be distributed free of cost to adolescent girls under the Karnataka government's 'Shuchi Scheme' were found burnt at the Farhatabad Primary Health Centre on the outskirts of Kalaburagi city.
The sanitary pads, worth several lakhs of rupees, were reportedly discovered during the demolition of an old building on the premises. Thousands of unused pads, which were intended for eligible high school and college-going girls, were allegedly stored in a godown without distribution. Instead of distributing them, health department officials allegedly set them ablaze, triggering widespread public outrage.
Local residents and community leaders have strongly condemned the act and demanded action against the officials responsible. They questioned why such a crucial health resource was hoarded and ultimately destroyed instead of being provided to the intended beneficiaries.
Videos showing piles of sanitary pads burning have gone viral on social media, intensifying the backlash and leading to demands for accountability.
In response, Dr. Sharanabasappa Kyatnal, District Health and Family Welfare Officer, has issued a notice to the RCH district official, the taluk health officer, and the medical officer of the health centre. The notice calls for a detailed investigation and submission of a report within 24 hours.
“A thorough inquiry has been ordered into the incident of burning sanitary pads at Farhatabad PHC. A clear explanation is expected within 24 hours,” said Dr. Kyatanal.
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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.
