Karnataka Cabinet to Decide on Power Utility Privatisation After Discussion; Employees’ Views Will Be Considered: CM D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru, June 29: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday assured employees of the state’s power utilities that the issue of privatisation would be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting, stating that the government would take a decision after considering the views of employees.
Addressing a felicitation programme organised by the Federation of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Employees’ Unions and Associations at Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds, Shivakumar said he alone would not decide on the issue.
“I cannot take a unilateral decision on the privatisation of power utilities. The matter will be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting, and a decision will be taken after considering your views,” he said.
‘The Law Was Enacted in 2003’
Referring to the employees’ demand against privatisation, the Chief Minister said the legal framework enabling such reforms dates back to 2003.
“You are protesting against privatisation today. But the law under which these proposals emerged was enacted in 2003 by the BJP government. At that time, no one raised objections or protested. Today you are asking me and Energy Minister K.J. George not to allow privatisation,” he said.
He added that criticism should be directed at those responsible for introducing such provisions, while governments taking positive decisions also deserved appreciation.
‘Those Who Built the Power Network Should Not Be Ignored’
Questioning the rationale behind handing electricity distribution to private players, Shivakumar said employees who built Karnataka’s power infrastructure over several decades should not be sidelined.
“You laid the transmission lines and strengthened the power network with government support. Now private companies are expected to earn profits by taking over consumer connections. This issue deserves serious consideration,” he said.
Decision Will Reflect Employees’ Opinion
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government values the trust placed in it by power sector employees.
“Your opinion will be my opinion. I will honour the trust you have placed in me. The Cabinet will discuss the matter and take an appropriate decision,” he said.
He urged employees to continue supporting the government, adding that mutual trust and cooperation were essential.
Highlights Previous Reforms in Energy Sector
Shivakumar highlighted reforms introduced during his earlier tenure as Karnataka’s Energy Minister, including reducing the interval for pay revisions from seven years to five years.
He also claimed that nearly 25,000 employees were recruited without corruption during his tenure.
“I never asked engineers to manipulate files. I recruited 25,000 people into the department without taking even a single rupee as a bribe,” he said.
‘Power Employees Remove Darkness’
Describing electricity employees as the unseen force behind daily life, the Chief Minister praised their round-the-clock service.
“People may not always have the phone number of their MLA, but they always have the contact numbers of power line staff and engineers. You are the people who remove darkness and keep society functioning,” he said.
He added that electricity employees have the capacity to influence public opinion because of the essential services they provide.
Energy Reforms Became National Model
Shivakumar said Karnataka’s renewable energy initiatives had later been adopted elsewhere in the country.
He cited the establishment of a 2,400 MW solar park spread across nearly 13,000 acres without acquiring a single acre of land outright, calling it one of the country’s pioneering renewable energy projects.
He also referred to decentralised solar generation at the taluk level, saying the model helped reduce transmission losses and later inspired the Centre’s PM-KUSUM scheme.
Pays Tribute to Power Sector Workforce
The Chief Minister said electricity employees perform an indispensable public service.
“Soldiers protect the borders, teachers educate society, farmers produce food and workers build the economy. It is power sector employees who bring light to every home. Your contribution will always be remembered,” he said.
He also credited former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with strengthening the institutional framework of India’s power sector and ensuring employee representation in the administration.
The Chief Minister’s remarks were made while addressing employees’ concerns over the proposed privatisation of electricity utilities. No formal Cabinet decision on the issue has been announced so far.
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