Is There A Bandh In Karnataka Today?

The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called off Karnataka Bandh on June 22 against abnormal hikes in electricity charges.

The KCCI had earlier called for Karnataka Bandh on June 22 against abnormal hikes in electricity charges. "We request all the Trade and Industry to close their establishment on 22 June. This is in protest of abnormal price hike in the Electricity charges by ESCOM's. For the last eight days, we have made attempts to convey the seriousness of the impact of the hike in electricity charges. However, no solution is forthcoming from the Officials or government representatives," the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry had said in a statement.

KCCI was the first industry body to publicly voice against the revision in tariff and set a deadline for the Govt.

"To draw the attention of the government, we are calling for this Bandh. We wish to find a solution and get a reduction in the electricity charges. We hope that the government will respond to our request," the statement said further.

The statement said that district Chambers of Gadag, Bijapur, Rancbennur, Raichur, Talikoti, Vijaynagar, Mysore, Davangere, Koppal, Bagalkoti, Dharwad, Sirsi, Karwar, Bidar, Shivamoga, Kolar, Mandya, Chickmangalore, Yadgir, Chitradurga, KalyanKamataka, Haveri, Hassan, Bellary and other Industry Associations have agreed to join the agitation, PTI reported.

Karnataka government rolled out 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme, as promised in its poll manifesto, that offers up to 200 units of power to every household across the state. The official launch of the scheme is scheduled for August 1. Starting from that date, eligible beneficiaries will receive a "zero bill" for their electricity usage in July, provided it remains within their entitlement.

Sandeep Bidasaria, acting president of KCCI, clarified that they were not going against the government but were lodging their protest with a hope that their voice is heard. He requested the government to listen to them and find a remedy.

Days after announcing the launch of 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme, the power tariff was increased by Rs 2.89 per unit.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) said the hike was due to fuel and power purchase cost adjustment (FPPCA) and arrears from April.

However, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has extended support to the Karnataka Bandh call.