Latest news with #Sivashankar
New Indian Express
02-08-2025
- New Indian Express
Man sentenced to life for murdering wife in Guntur
GUNTUR: The Second Additional District Court on Friday has sentenced Gaviriboyina Sivashankar to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 for the brutal murder of his wife Sharada in Agathavarappadu village of Pedakakani mandal in 2015. As per police, Sharada (26) was married to Sivashankar, an Indian Army employee, in May 2009. During a visit home on leave, Sivashankar, allegedly under pressure from his family, made accusations against Sharada. Although a compromise came out, Sharada began living with her parents. Disputes over financial aid followed, during which the man's family allegedly instigated him to kill her. On July 26, 2015, Sivashankar stabbed his wife Sharada. Based on her father's complaint, a case was filed under relevant IPC sections and the Dowry Prohibition Act. Judge Y Nagaraja convicted Sivashankar after reviewing the evidence, while proceedings against his co-accused mother Subbamma were closed due to her death.
Hans India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Smart meters mandatory for new, temporary connections from July 1
Bengaluru: Starting from July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has made it mandatory for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction to have smart meter installations, as mandated by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). According to an official statement from the company, smart meter deployment in the urban areas of BESCOM's jurisdiction, including Bengaluru city, commenced on February 15, 2025. With this latest directive, the initiative is now being extended to BESCOM's rural regions also. Applicants for new or temporary electricity connections can purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets and proceed with connection formalities, according to the statement. 'KERC had issued guidelines on smart meter implementation on March 6, 2024, and installations have since been carried out in phases,' the release added. Smart meters, which differ from traditional models, are equipped with a GPRS/RF-based communication system for data collection and offer server and cloud connectivity. They utilise Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which enables direct communication between consumers and BESCOM by gathering electricity usage data. Users can monitor real-time electricity usage, voltage, and power factor through a mobile app and access recharge options. The release stated that people can make advance payments and recharge for their desired duration, allowing them to use electricity as needed. During a power outage, electricity can be restored immediately upon payment of the bill. BESCOM is also set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, as announced by N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM, in May. The MD was addressing a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, or the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members.
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Karnataka: BESCOM makes smart meters mandatory for new, temporary connections in rural areas from July 1
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 28 (ANI): Starting from July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has made it mandatory for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction to have smart meter installations, as mandated by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). According to an official statement from the company, smart meter deployment in the urban areas of BESCOM's jurisdiction, including Bengaluru city, commenced on February 15, 2025. With this latest directive, the initiative is now being extended to BESCOM's rural regions also. Applicants for new or temporary electricity connections can purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets and proceed with connection formalities, according to the statement. 'KERC had issued guidelines on smart meter implementation on March 6, 2024, and installations have since been carried out in phases,' the release added. Smart meters, which differ from traditional models, are equipped with a GPRS/RF-based communication system for data collection and offer server and cloud connectivity. They utilise Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which enables direct communication between consumers and BESCOM by gathering electricity usage data. Users can monitor real-time electricity usage, voltage, and power factor through a mobile app and access recharge options. The release stated that people can make advance payments and recharge for their desired duration, allowing them to use electricity as needed. During a power outage, electricity can be restored immediately upon payment of the bill. BESCOM is also set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, as announced by N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM, in May. The MD was addressing a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, or the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members. (ANI)
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
BESCOM to launch digital portal for consumer grievance management
Bengaluru (Karanataka) [India], May 14 (ANI): Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) is set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, announced N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM. He made this announcement while addressing a workshop earlier this week, organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, for the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members. 'Grievances must be addressed within stipulated timelines. If issues remain unresolved at the CGRF or corporate level, consumers can escalate their complaints to the KERC for further redressal,' he emphasised. Inaugurating the workshop, KERC Chairman and retired Chief Secretary to the Government, P. Ravikumar, stressed the importance of delivering impartial and timely justice to consumers. 'Proactive engagement by authorities is essential for the success of this grievance redressal mechanism,' he said. Highlighting the legal framework, KERC Legal Department Member and retired District Sessions Judge HK Jagadish noted, 'Sections 42(5) and 42(6) of the Electricity Act, 2003 mandate provisions for consumer grievance redressal. The CGRF and KERC, the Electricity Ombudsman, function as quasi-judicial bodies, as recognised by the Supreme Court and High Courts.' During the workshop, KERC Technical Director Srinivasappa and retired judges Krishnaiah and IF Bidari briefed officials on technical issues and common challenges faced in consumer complaint resolution. The event was also attended by KERC Secretary Siddeshwar, BESCOM Technical Director HJ Ramesh, Finance Director Mahadeva, GM of Administration and Human Resources Dr. Dayanand, GM of Consumer Relations Rajoji Rao, and Pushpa SA, Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs. (ANI)
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Bescom to set up digital portal for consumer grievance redressal
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) will shortly launch a digital portal for consumer grievance redressal management. This was revealed by Bescom Managing Director N. Sivashankar at a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and Bescom for the office-bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) on May 13. The setting up of this portal is aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the process of consumer grievance redressal. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' he said. Upon the directions of the chairman of KERC, Bescom has constituted CGRFs at the district level comprising a Superintendent Engineer, Executive Engineer, and independent members. 'Grievances must be addressed within stipulated timelines. If issues remain unresolved at the CGRF or corporate level, consumers can escalate their complaints to the KERC for further redressal,' Mr. Sivashankar added. Earlier this year, in the draft KERC (Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and Ombudsman) (Third Amendment) Regulations 2025, KERC had recommended that all escoms set up CGRFs in their corporate offices for efficient grievance redressal. 'Proactive engagement by authorities is essential for the success of this grievance redressal mechanism,' P. Ravikumar, Chairman, KERC, said.
