K'taka to overcome power shortage in 2 years

Bangalore, Apr 3 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today exuded confidence that power shortage in the state was likely to end within two years from now following proactive programmes initiated by his government.

He was speaking after launching the 'Prasara Jyothi' project, a 24-hour new grievance redressal customer service initiative, the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS), jointly developed by the All India Radio, the largest public service broadcaster and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) here.

Mr Kumaraswamy said the KPTCL was investing another Rs 6,000 crore for improving the power system, complementing the state government's efforts to improve the quantum of power generation to bridge the gap between demand and supply.

He said the state government, under the 'Bhagyalakshmi' scheme, had waived off Rs 83 crore of power dues from people living below the poverty line.

Speaking on the occasion, Prasar Bharti Chief Executive Officer K S Sharma said the Doordarshan-sponsored 'Phone-in-programmes' served as an interactive platform between customers and the public utilities and had evoked good response across the country.

He said the 'Prasara Jyothi' would help in a big way to address grievances of the general public with regard to supply of electricity and other related problems.

He also called upon other public utilities in the country to emulate the KPTCL in employing the AIR and Doordarshan to improve services.

UNI MV RG GM1838