Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Jul 16: "The government intends to produce 20MW of power in every taluk through wind and solar energy and plans to distribute it in localities, thereby making taluks self-sufficient in energy," said energy minister D K Shivakumar.
He was addressing 'Abhishikshana', a training programme organized by KPTCL and MESCOM at Kulshekar church premises here on Saturday July 16.
“Today we have made history by directly appointing 11,952 linemen and other professionals including engineers. This mass appointment has taken place after 20 years and no one has given any bribe to be appointed. We will soon appoint 10,000 people in KPTCL and MESCOM offices in the state to strengthen the energy department.
"The department plans to generate 5,000-6,000 MW of power during Siddaramaiah's term as chief minister. We had planned to set up a thermal plant here but people opposed and opted for wind and solar energy. Hence we plan to generate 20MW of power in every taluk through wind and solar energy and make taluks self-sufficient," he said.
Speaking about the recent suspension of engineers in the department, he said, "I have dismissed 21 engineers over the solar rooftop scam and remaining 30 will be suspended within a week. As new appointments in the department have been made in a transparent manner, we expect the staff to uphold the values of honesty and not accept or demand bribe."
Stressing on the need for more transparency, he said, "The department will start integrated online examinations across the state soon. This will not only increase transparency and give equal opportunity to everyone but also serve the department and the people in the best possible way."
Assistant chief secretary of government of Karnataka, Javed Akhtar said, "An integrated training centre for all the employees in the energy department will be set up in Hubballi. Training will be provided by the best personnel in the country so that our youths who intern to serve in the energy department will be able to give their best to our state."
Director of MESCOM Mallika Pakala, MD of MESCOM Chikkananjayya, director of MESCOM Surendra Kambali, director of KPTCL A S Radhakrishna and others were present.