Latest news with #ESCOMs
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
State to fill up 35,000 vacancies in power sector, regularise 532 civic workers
Bengaluru:Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday announced that his government will begin phased recruitment to fill 35,000 vacant posts in the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) and declared the regularisation of services of 532 civic workers in the department. Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees' Association, the CM said the state government is committed to fulfilling its promises to the workforce. 'Ours is a government that walks the talk. We will examine your demands and take appropriate action,' he said. Addressing concerns over pensions, the Chief Minister said the National Pension Scheme (NPS) was implemented by the central government. 'But we have already promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in our election manifesto. We will hold discussions and take necessary steps in that direction.' Siddaramaiah lauded the power corporation employees for their service and underscored Karnataka's legacy in the electricity sector. 'Karnataka was the first in Asia to produce electricity in 1902, launched its first supply company in Bengaluru in 1905, and supplied power to the Mysore Palace by 1908,' he said. He noted that the state now generates 34,000 megawatts, with plans to scale it to 60,000 megawatts, a move aimed at ensuring at least seven hours of daytime power supply to farmers. 'The electricity sector is essential. You have been working with dedication. The government is ready to meet your demands. We are with you — and we ask you to stand with us too,' he told the employees. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also spoke at the event, asserted that the Congress government will not permit the privatisation of Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) as long as it remains in power. 'As long as Siddaramaiah and I are in power, we won't allow privatisation of ESCOMs in Karnataka. There were attempts to allow entry of private players, but I did not allow it,' Shivakumar said. He claimed that there was significant pressure from the Centre during his earlier tenure as the Energy Minister, especially after the BJP government privatised ESCOMs in Mumbai, Delhi, and other cities. However, he said he resisted the pressure and stood by the efficiency of the corporation's workforce. 'When I took over, the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) loss stood at 19–20 per cent. We brought it down to 10 per cent, which is now a benchmark in the country,' Shivakumar said, noting that most states continue to report losses of 17–18 per cent. He added that during his tenure, the state's generation capacity doubled from 11,000 MW to 23,000 MW, and that 24,000 employees were recruited through a transparent process, ensuring job creation without corruption. Highlighting innovations like the Pavagada Solar Park, Shivakumar said the government adopted a land-leasing model rather than acquisition, which allowed farmers to retain ownership and earn annual rental income — a model later adopted by the Union government
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
We will take steps to implement Old Pension Scheme in K'taka: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Wednesday that the state government would discuss and initiate necessary steps to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in Karnataka. He was speaking after inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees' Association and releasing the commemorative publication 'Vajra Jyoti'. 'Ours is a government that lives up to its words. We will examine your demands and take appropriate action. The New Pension Scheme (NPS) was implemented by the Central Government, but we had declared in our party's manifesto that we would implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). We will hold discussions and take the necessary steps,' the Congress leader assured. CM Siddaramaiah announced that 35,000 vacant posts in the Power Transmission Department would be filled in phases and that the services of 532 contract civic workers in the department would be regularised. Recalling Karnataka's legacy in the power sector, CM Siddaramaiah noted, 'Asia's first electricity production began in Karnataka in 1902. The first power distribution company in Bengaluru started in 1905, and electricity was supplied to the Mysore Palace for the first time in 1908. Today, Karnataka has the proud distinction of producing 34,000 megawatts of power.' CM Siddaramaiah further analysed, 'Our self-reliance in food production is largely due to our self-reliance in electricity generation.' CM Siddaramaiah stated that the Congress-led government aims to ensure seven hours of daytime power supply to farmers for agricultural pump sets. 'We are working towards this goal. Once we reach a production capacity of 60,000 megawatts, this will become possible. We must remember that electricity is a vital component of our economy,' he stressed. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated, 'I assure you that as long as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are in power, we will not allow the privatisation of Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) in the state.' He stated, 'When I became the Energy Minister, the BJP came to power at the Centre. In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, ESCOMs were handed over to private players. I, too, was pressured to do the same in Bengaluru. At that time, I told them that our staff, engineers, and management Board are strong and capable enough to run the ESCOMs efficiently. As long as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are here, ESCOMs will not be privatised in Karnataka.' 'Your demands are in consideration. The Old Pension Scheme is also part of our manifesto, so don't worry about that,' Dy CM Shivakumar stressed. 'When I took charge of the department, transmission losses stood at around 19–20 per cent. We have reduced this to 10 per cent, which is a model for the entire country. In many other states, losses are still around 17–18 per cent. "All thanks to the efforts made by all of you, the Energy Department has grown stronger. Minister for Energy, K.J. George, who currently heads this department, is leading it with great transparency and efficiency. We had taken several revolutionary decisions in the past as well,' Shivakumar added. 'When the issue of promotions came up earlier, I made a decision in just one day. Whenever a Congress government comes to power, it works for your well-being. Remember this — Chief Engineers in KPTCL and ESCOMs receive the same salary as an IPS officer. Let your love and trust remain with us,' Shivakumar added. Energy Minister K.J. George on Wednesday said that the state government fully supports the KPCTL Employees' Association, recognising its commitment to aiding the successful implementation of pro-people initiatives across Karnataka.
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Karnataka Cabinet to decide on implementation of RDSS
BENGALURU: Karnataka Energy Minister KJ George on Monday said that the Cabinet will take a decision on the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). If this happens, then consumers will have to pay less for the installation of smart metres against the present cost of Rs 4,998. The RDSS scheme is aimed at improving the performance of electricity distribution companies (ESCOMs) for the installation and operations of smart metres. Speaking to media, George said that the RDSS scheme will end in December. However, during the recent meeting with Union Government officials, extension and implementation of the scheme were discussed. 'If this happens, then all the smart metres can be replaced in bulk. The cost will then work out cheaper. Presently in Karnataka, smart metres are being installed only for new and temporary connections. If the Cabinet approves, then all metres can be replaced in around two years,' George said, adding that the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission will take the decision on the reduced rate.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CESC distributes safety gear, health insurance cards to its staff
On the occasion of May Day in Mysuru, MLA and CESC chairman Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda personally handed over the safety equipment to frontline workers engaged in tasks such as electric pole repair, cable line restoration, and transformer maintenance, etc. MYSURU On the occasion of May Day, the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) distributed safety gear and launched a comprehensive cashless health insurance scheme for its employees across five districts. The initiative aims to enhance the safety and well-being of staff working across various shifts to ensure uninterrupted power supply. MLA and CESC chairman Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda personally handed over the safety equipment to frontline workers engaged in tasks such as electric pole repair, cable line restoration, transformer maintenance, etc. He emphasised the importance of adhering to safety protocols while on duty and highlighted that these measures are being implemented in the interest of employee welfare. In a significant move to address healthcare needs, the CESC introduced a new medical policy offering cashless treatment for employees and their families. Health cards were distributed to staff, enabling access to treatment at 1,413 empanelled hospitals across Karnataka. Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of its employees, the CESC has earned the distinction of being an 'A' grade power distribution company in the State. The chairman urged the staff to remain responsive, particularly to farmers who rely on electricity for irrigation. He instructed teams to ensure transformers are replaced within 24 hours of a breakdown, warning that delays would attract disciplinary action. CESC in-charge managing director K.M. Munigopalraju reiterated the corporation's commitment to staff welfare and stated that the healthcare initiative has been implemented without collecting any contributions from employees, despite the financial implications. He claimed that the cashless facility, which includes family members, is a first among electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) in the State. Safety equipment has been distributed to all employees simultaneously, underscoring CESC's approach to risk prevention. Mr. Munigopalraju acknowledged the vital role of powermen and section officers, describing them as the backbone of the organisation and primary touchpoints with consumers, and stressed the importance of maintaining feeders and transformers to avoid service disruptions and accidents. The CESC currently employs 6,351 individuals. Including 19,468 family members, the total number of beneficiaries under the healthcare scheme stands at 25,819. Each family is eligible for health coverage of ₹2 lakh, with ₹3 crore earmarked for medical emergencies and advanced treatments. Since the launch of the scheme, 43 employees and 104 family members have availed benefits amounting to ₹94 lakh. Former CESC managing director G. Sheela, chief accounts officer Renuka, superintendent engineer Sunil, and other officials were present.
