Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 17: Udupi district chamber of commerce and industry has expressed its anguish against the increase in charges in electricity bills.

In a press release, Udupi district chamber of commerce and industry president Andaru Deviprasad Shetty, Udupi district small-scale industries president Prashanth Baliga, POWER president Suvarsh Minz, Hebri Satheesh Pai and hotel and other allied owners have condemned the decision of the state government.   

They stated, "The increase in fixed charges of electricity bills is affecting the growth of small-scale industries. Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (incorporated) is against the increase of burden on small-scale industry.

"As many as 13,000 small-scale industries operate in Udupi district, which provides employment to 1,65,000 employees. It has provided employment opportunities as well as contributed to the development of the district. By paying taxes, it has also contributed for the economic development of the district. To protect all small-scale industries, the association is hereby requesting to reduce the electricity tariffs," they stated. 

If the government fails to reduce the tariffs, the association warned that they will protest against it and also demanded to reduce the electricity tax from 9% to 5%.