Latest news with #RameshBandisiddeGowda
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Workshop for officials to address consumer grievances effectively held
Consumer complaints can be effectively resolved at the officer level itself, thereby avoiding legal escalation, said Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda, MLA and chairman of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC). He was addressing a one-day legal workshop jointly organised by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and the CESC at the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Engineers' Association auditorium at Kadakola near here. The workshop was attended by chairpersons, members, and officials of various consumer grievance redressal forums. This workshop is aimed at equipping officials with legal understanding to address consumer grievances effectively, Mr. Bandisidde Gowda said. 'When consumers encounter problems, they generally approach local officials. If those officials handle the issues with seriousness, most complaints can be resolved swiftly without reaching courts or regulatory bodies,' he observed. He said that failure by officials to fulfill their responsibilities often compels consumers to seek legal remedies. 'We have seen several such instances. However, if every officer works with dedication, the number of complaints reaching the commission or judiciary can be reduced. Due to the commitment of both officials and elected representatives, our region has witnessed a decline in grievance cases,' he claimed. Inaugurating the workshop, KERC member H.K. Jagadish highlighted the importance of legal literacy among officials. Electricity is indispensable in today's world. Understanding the evolution of electricity laws helps in resolving consumer complaints more efficiently, he said. Mr. Jagadish traced the history of electricity laws in India, noting that the first law was enacted in 1887 during the British rule with a focus on safety. Today, the electricity sector functions under the Electricity Act of 2003. With power being generated from multiple sources, consumers have now become central stakeholders in the legal and regulatory framework besides transmission and distribution subjects, he added. KERC member Javed Akhtar pointed out that there is a lack of public awareness about grievance redressal forums. 'Many consumers visit local offices to resolve their issues but remain unaware of formal complaint forums. This information gap discourages consumers from filing complaints,' he said. He urged that all Escoms should publish complaint procedures prominently on their websites, mobile apps, and notice boards for the benefit of public. KERC secretary Siddeshwar, Mysuru zone chief engineer D.J. Divakar, Hassan zone chief engineer Harish Kumar, CESC chief financial officer G. Renuka, and other senior officials were present. Technical presentations were conducted after the inauguration.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CESC distributes safety gear, health insurance cards to its staff
On the occasion of May Day in Mysuru, MLA and CESC chairman Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda personally handed over the safety equipment to frontline workers engaged in tasks such as electric pole repair, cable line restoration, and transformer maintenance, etc. MYSURU On the occasion of May Day, the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) distributed safety gear and launched a comprehensive cashless health insurance scheme for its employees across five districts. The initiative aims to enhance the safety and well-being of staff working across various shifts to ensure uninterrupted power supply. MLA and CESC chairman Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda personally handed over the safety equipment to frontline workers engaged in tasks such as electric pole repair, cable line restoration, transformer maintenance, etc. He emphasised the importance of adhering to safety protocols while on duty and highlighted that these measures are being implemented in the interest of employee welfare. In a significant move to address healthcare needs, the CESC introduced a new medical policy offering cashless treatment for employees and their families. Health cards were distributed to staff, enabling access to treatment at 1,413 empanelled hospitals across Karnataka. Thanks to the dedication and cooperation of its employees, the CESC has earned the distinction of being an 'A' grade power distribution company in the State. The chairman urged the staff to remain responsive, particularly to farmers who rely on electricity for irrigation. He instructed teams to ensure transformers are replaced within 24 hours of a breakdown, warning that delays would attract disciplinary action. CESC in-charge managing director K.M. Munigopalraju reiterated the corporation's commitment to staff welfare and stated that the healthcare initiative has been implemented without collecting any contributions from employees, despite the financial implications. He claimed that the cashless facility, which includes family members, is a first among electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) in the State. Safety equipment has been distributed to all employees simultaneously, underscoring CESC's approach to risk prevention. Mr. Munigopalraju acknowledged the vital role of powermen and section officers, describing them as the backbone of the organisation and primary touchpoints with consumers, and stressed the importance of maintaining feeders and transformers to avoid service disruptions and accidents. The CESC currently employs 6,351 individuals. Including 19,468 family members, the total number of beneficiaries under the healthcare scheme stands at 25,819. Each family is eligible for health coverage of ₹2 lakh, with ₹3 crore earmarked for medical emergencies and advanced treatments. Since the launch of the scheme, 43 employees and 104 family members have availed benefits amounting to ₹94 lakh. Former CESC managing director G. Sheela, chief accounts officer Renuka, superintendent engineer Sunil, and other officials were present.
