Reverse power tariff hike in a week: Belagavi industries

BELAGAVI: Industrial bodies of Belagavi have set a one week deadline to the state government to reverse the power tariff hike and has warned of massive protests if it does not comply.
On Monday, Belgaum Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) president Hemendra Porwal said the government has increased power tariff to industries by 11% to 32%, which will affect not just the industrial sector but many other sectors including trade.
Rohan Juvali, former president of Belgaum Small Scale Industries Association, said industries have been gradually returning to normal after taking a hit due to Covid-19. “The recent hike is abnormal and puts industries and workers in trouble,” he said.
Ram Bhandare, president of Belgaum Foundry Cluster, said, “We are competing with foundries in neighbouring Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. Moreover, Maharashtra and Goa have been inviting industries in Karnataka with several perks like land and power at cheap rates. If Karnataka fails to provide power to industries at competitive rates, there is a threat of Belagavi foundries shifting to the neighbouring states,” he said.
The industrial bodies have decided to take out a silent protest rally in Belagavi on Tuesday, in association with various social organisations and submit a memorandum.
Porwal said they are also thinking about taking legal action against the government’s move.