Latest news with #KarnatakaSmallScaleIndustriesAssociation
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Power denied to 5,500 Karnataka units over OC rules
Occupancy Certificate Commencement Certificate KJ George We understand difficulties housing and industrial sectors face due to mandatory OC for electricity connections, seeking a practical solution –Energy Minister KJ George While neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh are rolling out red carpets to attract Karnataka-based industries, the Karnataka government has denied electricity connections to nearly 5,500 small-scale industries, citing the lack of(OC) and(CC). This move has triggered widespread concern and backlash from the state's industrial a new regulation effective April 4, the state has made it mandatory for industrial units and sheds similar to residential andcommercial properties—to obtain OC and CC before securing electricity connections. However, small and medium entrepreneurs argue that the rule is arbitrary and has disrupted operations across the to the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), several units despite completing internal wiring and paying necessary fees—have been denied power solely because they are situated on B Khata or revenue land and lack the required certificates. Many of these entrepreneurs have invested crores in setting up manufacturing units, poultry farms, and dairy operations, only to face critical delays due to power denial.'We fully understand the difficulties that housing and industrial sectors are facing due to the mandatory Occupancy Certificate requirement for electricity connections,' said Energy Minister, addressing growing unrest among industrialists. 'The Chief Minister has already directed the Chief Secretary to study the issue and submit a detailed report. This matter is being taken seriously and is under active consideration in the Cabinet.'George added that while the state is bound by a Supreme Court directive mandating OCs for utility connections, the government is working on a practical solution. 'We are exploring a by-law amendment to mitigate the impact. Once the Chief Secretary's report is submitted, the Cabinet will take a decision that balances legal compliance with public interest,' he government is citing a 2020 Supreme Court ruling (2.170/2020), which instructed authorities not to provide utilities such as water and electricity to buildings without sanctioned plans or those violating building norms. Based on this, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) issued a directive on March 13, instructing all ESCOMs to deny power without industry bodies have pushed back, saying the government is misinterpreting the order. They question why Karnataka is enforcing the rule so stringently while other states continue to encourage industrial activity. Only 6% of industries in the state are located on approved KIADB or KSSIDC plots. The remaining 94% operate from B Khata or revenue lands, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KASSIA urges power agencies to work in tandem to improve power infrastructure in Karnataka
Trade body Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) has urged all agencies allied to the power sector to work together to strengthen the overall power infrastructure scenario of the State. KASSIA, president, M.G. Rajagopal said the power distribution agencies and apex body including Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation, all electricity supply companies (ESCOMS) in the State and Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission should work in tandem to improve the stability of power lines, upgrade transmission equipment and also strengthen the distribution system. ''The industry wants non-interrupted, quality supply of power for which the State should strengthen its power infrastructure including power lines, transmission equipment and also distribution system,'' said Mr. Rajagopal at an interactive session organised by KASSIA here on Monday for power industry stakeholders. P. Ravikumar, IAS., Chairman, KERC and Jawaid Akhtar, IAS, Member, KERC interacted with the members and took note of the issues raised by the participants during the meeting and assured to resolve the issues that come within the purview of KERC Regulations. Speaking on the occasion, S.M. Hussain, Energy Panel Chairman at KASSIA also stressed the importance of increased coordination between KPTCL & ESCOMs in terms of supplying power, plan approval, issuing occupancy certificates, making smart meters optional, tariff misuse, network maintenance, adding there was need to establish a 66/11 KVA Sub Station at Nelamangala.
