Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Feb 7: The Udupi district small industries association submitted a memorandum to energy minister K J George on various issues related to the energy department during his visit to the district on February 6.

The association demanded to reduce the electricity tax which was raised from 5% to 9% during the Covid pandemic and continues to be so till date.

The electricity department charges 20 paise per unit extra to establishments which have in-house power generators of capacity 500 KVA or more, this should be withdrawn. Fuel Adjustment Charges (FAC) should be waived for MSME Units in the state. The unscheduled power-cuts to industries, especially MSMEs, both in industrial areas as well as rural areas must be stopped. These unscheduled power-cuts in the region create a lot of problems for the smooth operations of MSMEs.

The association also demanded to increase the Hiriadka substation capacity of the transformer as the existing transformer is fully utilized and no new industries can apply for power through this transformer. The members also presented their demand before the minister to provide dedicated express lines for industries on demand and no other lines should be attached to these express lines.

Harish Kunder, president Hrishikesh Hegde, vice president Mattar Ganesh Kini, former president Ranjan Kalkura, treasurer members Sathish Pai, Vaman Bhat were present.